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Today's conservative headline is brought to you by the Republican Ballot Publication. We're dedicated in providing our readers with the most relevant conservative news. [Upgrade Your Browser: Enjoy Enhanced Speed and Usability on the Latest USA Today Website!] [Upgrade Your Browser: Enjoy Enhanced Speed and Usability on the Latest USA Today Website!]( Tragic Toll Mounts as Hurricane Helene Ravages Southeast U.S., Leaving 91 Dead and Communities in Crisis Asheville, N.C. - Catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Helene has claimed the lives of at least 91 people across several southeastern states, causing widespread damage and power outages. In the wake of the disaster, rescue operations continue with emergency teams deploying throughout the region to assist stranded survivors and assess the full extent of the damage. Helene, which made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region as a Category 4 hurricane, unleashed winds of 140 mph and torrential rains that led to critical flooding in Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee. This storm system quickly became notorious for its swift destruction and the resulting humanitarian emergency. Many of the deaths were due to drowning, as residents either ignored or were unable to comply with evacuation orders. Additional fatalities occurred as falling trees and flying debris crushed homes and vehicles, highlighting the brute force of the storm. Notably, two lives were lost in Georgia when a tornado, spun off by the hurricane, hurled a car with its occupants. President Joe Biden has addressed the severity of the situation, describing the impact of the hurricane as "stunning" and confirming his plans to visit the affected areas. He emphasized that federal support is being fully extended to the impacted states to aid their recovery efforts. The power supply situation remains dire, with over two million customers still without electricity days after Helene's landfall. Utility companies and emergency crews are working tirelessly, but the expectation is set for a long and challenging recovery process. This includes not only the restoration of power but also the rebuilding of homes and infrastructure extensively damaged by the storm. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has indicated that the death toll may rise as rescue efforts reach isolated areas cut off by floodwaters and debris. Specifically, Asheville and surrounding locales in western North Carolina experienced severe disruptions, including power outages and a lack of potable water, making the region exceedingly difficult to navigate and assist. Despite ongoing rescue operations, authorities have urged locals to stay off roads to facilitate the movement of emergency personnel and equipment. Response teams, benefiting from both traditional emergency calls and social media communications, have conducted dramatic rescues, including a group of 41 near Asheville and a delicate operation to save an infant. In Florida, the storm surge and high winds were especially destructive along the coast, leading to significant flooding and casualties within the designated evacuation zones. Georgia suffered extensively too, with Governor Brian Kemp likening the damage to that caused by a bomb, particularly noting the widespread devastation from Augusta to Valdosta. In South Carolina, Spartanburg County bore a heavy portion of the toll with several casualties reported. The power crisis extended even into populous areas such as Greenville County, significantly disrupting daily life. The situation in Tennessee also remains grim, with rising waters necessitating spectacular rescues, including one involving over 50 individuals stranded atop a hospital in Erwin. These states now face the daunting task of recovery and rebuilding, each grappling with unique challenges posed by the hurricane's aftermath. As federal and state resources are mobilized, the full impact of Hurricane Helene continues to unfold, signaling a prolonged period of rehabilitation for the affected communities. [Visit Republican Ballot News]( Republican Ballot News, 70 South West Century Drive, Suite 100 PMB 5102, Bend, OR 97702 Intended for: {EMAIL} [View Online]( | [Terms of Use]( | [Privacy Policy]( | [Unsubscribe from All](