The aftermath of Hurricane Helene continues to devastate communities across the southeastern United States, with at least 120 confirmed fatalities reported across six states. Authorities warn that the death toll may rise as rescue efforts are hampered by extensive flooding and infrastructure damage. In North Carolina, where the storm's impact has been particularly severe, many areas remain cut off from aid due to closed roads and downed power lines.

In Florida's Big Bend region, residents are grappling with the destruction caused by Helene, marking the third hurricane to strike the area in less than two years. The small community of Keaton Beach was hit hard, with homes swept away by an estimated 15 feet of storm surge. Local resident Shannon Milinore described the devastation, stating, \"They're just devastated... they have nothing just like we do.\"

North Carolina's Governor Roy Cooper has labeled the situation an \"unprecedented tragedy,\" as rescue teams continue to search for victims in flooded neighborhoods. In Asheville, the city is facing a critical shortage of running water, complicating recovery efforts. Residents are struggling to access basic necessities, and many remain without cell service, making communication with loved ones nearly impossible.

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

Experts suggest that climate change may be contributing to the increasing intensity of storms in the Gulf of Mexico, with meteorologist Ryan Trueschelet noting that warmer waters are providing additional fuel for hurricanes. As residents contemplate rebuilding, they face challenges such as skyrocketing home insurance rates, which have surged by 45% in Florida from 2017 to 2022.

In the wake of the storm, communities are coming together to assist one another, but the road to recovery remains long and fraught with challenges. As the situation evolves, the focus remains on providing immediate aid and addressing the long-term implications of living in an area increasingly vulnerable to severe weather events.