A week after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across the southeastern United States, the region is grappling with the aftermath of one of the deadliest storms in recent history. With over 200 confirmed fatalities, Helene has become the deadliest hurricane to strike the mainland U.S. since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Rescue efforts are ongoing, as hundreds remain unaccounted for in the hardest-hit areas, particularly around Asheville, North Carolina, and Eastern Tennessee. The storm unleashed more than 17 inches of rain in just three days, leading to catastrophic flooding that transformed communities overnight.

Residents are facing severe challenges, with many lacking access to basic necessities such as water, food, and electricity. Emily Bigelow, a resident of Asheville, described the struggle of living without modern plumbing, relying on creek water to flush her toilet. \"They're saying probably weeks before we can get water again,\" she lamented, highlighting the stark reality many are enduring.

In Buncombe County alone, over 70 deaths have been confirmed, and that number is expected to rise as search and rescue teams continue their efforts to locate missing individuals. The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene has left a lasting impact on the region, with communities still in shock and grappling with the extensive damage.