The deadly Helene storm continues to wreak havoc across the United States, spreading destruction beyond the Gulf Coast as it moves into the Midwest. On September 29, 2024, emergency declarations were issued across several additional states, including Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio, as torrential rain and flooding caused widespread devastation.
The floodwaters have already claimed numerous lives, and thousands of people have been displaced as entire neighborhoods have been submerged. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with the National Guard and emergency services working tirelessly to evacuate those in the worst-hit areas. Roads have been washed away, and critical infrastructure has been severely damaged, making it difficult for aid to reach some regions.
Meteorologists have pointed to an unusually warm ocean temperature as one of the key factors driving the storm’s intensity, further igniting debates about climate change and its role in the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. Helene is the latest in a string of natural disasters to impact the US this year, straining federal and state resources to their limits.
Across the Atlantic, the UK is also watching closely, with its own concerns about climate-related weather events on the rise. With global temperatures continuing to climb, the international community is under pressure to take action before more catastrophic events occur.
