According to analysis, damage from Helene’s devastating route through the southeastern U.S. is projected to exceed $30 billion.

These estimates take into account losses from wind, insured and uninsured storm surge, as well as inland flooding affecting residential and commercial properties across 16 states. CoreLogic, a financial and consumer analytics firm based in California, reported that Helene, which struck Florida as a category 4 hurricane on September 26, is estimated to have caused insured losses ranging from $10.5 billion to $17.5 billion.

Monica Ningen, CEO of U.S. Property & Casualty Reinsurance at Swiss Re, pointed out that Helene has created extensive flooding in several areas lacking insurance. This situation will complicate the rebuilding process for the affected communities.

For instance, in Buncombe County, North Carolina, which encompasses Asheville, much of the destruction occurred in mountainous terrain far from the coast. Only 941 of the county’s 140,000 housing units had active flood insurance policies, as reported by Swiss Re, a global insurer and reinsurer.

Helene has resulted in the deaths of over 200 individuals, marking it as the fourth-deadliest hurricane on the mainland U.S. since 1950.

Key Developments:

• A lingering impact of power outages continues to affect the South, as indicated by YSL News’s outage tracker as of Saturday. Hundreds of thousands of power outages have been reported primarily in the Carolinas and Georgia.
• The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is extending assistance to both homeowners and small business owners impacted by Helene. Aid may come as checks or direct deposits specifically for lodging, repairs, and generators. The Asheville Citizen-Times, part of the YSL News Network, provides details on the aid available for the residents.
• On Saturday, Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to return to North Carolina for an update on ongoing recovery efforts in the state, as stated by her office. She plans to meet with those affected by Helene, observe the distribution of aid, and share updates on federal responses. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump campaigned in North Carolina on Friday and has initiated a GoFundMe campaign that has raised $5.8 million to support those impacted by Helene as of Saturday.

Frustrated survivors still searching for cell service after the storm

BURNSVILLE, North Carolina ‒ The persistent lack of cell phone service in areas affected by Hurricane Helene has raised concerns for survivors regarding safety, missed emergency alerts, and the difficulty of checking in with distant friends and family.

Helene’s strong winds and flooding have cut power across vast areas of the South, causing the destruction of cell towers and leaving potentially millions without communication. The absence of service is apparent throughout the region, as frustrated residents gather near the few locations that offer Wi-Fi or limited cell signals.

In Red Hill, a town with 355 residents, residents were unable to contact loved ones. They had no way to get updates on road closures, locate gasoline or generators, or assist those in need.

“No one knew if we were dead or alive,” lamented Kacie Smith, 28, who operates the general store in Red Hill.

‒ Trevor Hughes and Chris Kenning, YSL News

Recovery in South Carolina’s Upstate region is a long process

GREENVILLE, S.C. − As one drives through Greenville a week after Hurricane Helene, two common sights emerge: trees scattered everywhere — on roadways, atop houses, and in the central medians — and traffic lights that are now functioning as four-way stops.

Yet, residents understand this is only a portion of the broader picture.

Ongoing assessments continue to evaluate the full extent of the damage, including the toll of downed trees that have damaged vehicles, torn roofs, and claimed lives. Many residents are still without electricity during the nights and are left in stifling conditions during the day, anxious about friends in North Carolina they cannot reach.

Most importantly, inhabitants of Upstate are preparing for the long haul of storm relief and rebuilding efforts.

‒ Sarah Clifton, Greenville News