Hurricane Helene has caused devastating flooding and destruction in Asheville, North Carolina, with the historic Biltmore Village submerged under several feet of water. The French Broad River also overflowed, causing significant damage in the River Arts District. The storm, now a post-tropical cyclone, has led to widespread devastation throughout the southern U.S., with at least 42 confirmed deaths and millions left without power in several states.
Residents in Asheville expressed shock at the extent of the flooding and some attributed it to climate change. The impact of the storm has prompted President Joe Biden to approve emergency declaration requests from the affected states and deploy federal personnel for assistance. A dangerous rescue operation was conducted in eastern Tennessee, where over 50 people were stranded at a hospital due to rising water levels.
The storm has disrupted travel routes and caused significant damage to infrastructure in the region. Asheville, with a population of 95,000, is dealing with the aftermath of the flooding, while other states are also facing challenges in recovery efforts. The federal government has pledged various forms of assistance to the affected areas, including search and rescue teams, medical teams, and power restoration teams to help with recovery efforts.
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