In the wake of Hurricane Helene, communities along the Gulf Coast and into Western North Carolina are grappling with the extensive damage left in the storm's wake. This marks the third hurricane to impact the region since last summer, with residents like Shannon Milinore recounting the loss of their homes. Milinore, who lost his entire house to an estimated 15 feet of storm surge, described the devastation felt by his close-knit community, stating, \"They're just devastated.\"

As cleanup efforts begin in Florida, the situation remains dire in North Carolina, where rescue teams are actively searching for victims amid submerged neighborhoods. Governor Roy Cooper has labeled the disaster an \"unprecedented tragedy,\" highlighting the widespread impact of the storm. Aerial assessments of the damage reveal extensive destruction across the region, underscoring the challenges that lie ahead for recovery efforts.