The aftermath of Hurricane Helene continues to unfold, with the storm's toll rising to at least 120 confirmed deaths across six states, and many individuals still unaccounted for. North Carolina has been particularly hard hit, facing a crisis as communities grapple with closed roads and disrupted access to essential supplies like food and water.

In Florida's Big Bend region, residents are reeling from their third hurricane in less than two years. Keaton Beach, which experienced a direct hit from Helene, saw homes devastated by an estimated 15 feet of storm surge. Local resident Shannon Milinore described the destruction, stating that many in the tight-knit community have lost everything. The situation is dire, with extensive damage reported across the southeastern United States, including flooded neighborhoods in Western North Carolina and significant rainfall in Georgia and Tennessee.

North Carolina's Governor Roy Cooper has labeled the disaster an \"unprecedented tragedy,\" as rescue teams continue to search for victims amid submerged areas. In Asheville, the city is facing a critical shortage of running water, leaving residents without basic sanitation and drinking supplies. The lack of cell service has further complicated communication efforts, with many struggling to reach loved ones.

President Biden has pledged federal support for the affected areas, assuring survivors that assistance will be provided as long as necessary. The storm, which made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane with winds reaching 140 miles per hour, has raised pressing questions about rebuilding efforts and the future of communities in hurricane-prone regions.

Local leaders, such as Cedar Key Mayor Sue Colson, emphasize the need for a reevaluation of building practices in light of increasing storm intensity, which experts attribute in part to climate change. As residents begin to salvage what they can, many express a determination to rebuild despite the challenges ahead. The community spirit remains strong, with neighbors coming together to assist one another in the recovery process.

As the region continues to assess the damage and begin recovery efforts, the focus remains on providing immediate aid to those in need while contemplating long-term solutions to mitigate the impact of future storms.