Peoria Standard

It has been over a week since Hurricane Helene struck, becoming the fourth deadliest hurricane to hit the U.S. mainland since 1950 and the most lethal since Katrina in 2005. The storm's impact is felt across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama, where people are in need of shelter, water, food, and healthcare. Hundreds remain missing as communities were devastated by rapid floodwaters affecting tens of thousands of homes.

Reports confirm at least 215 fatalities with more than half occurring in North Carolina due to swift-moving waters that obliterated entire neighborhoods. Authorities face challenges in identifying some victims amid ongoing search efforts for those unaccounted for. Additionally, approximately 784,000 homes and businesses are without electricity across several states including Virginia. In western North Carolina alone, many residents lack access to running water.

To assist those affected by Hurricane Helene:

- Financial contributions are preferred over physical donations to aid organizations like the American Red Cross.

- Individuals interested in volunteering can explore opportunities via redcross.org/volunteer or through FEMA's list of volunteer organizations.

- Blood donations are urgently needed following the cancellation of blood drives throughout the Southeast. Those outside impacted areas can schedule appointments at RedCrossBlood.org or use the Blood Donor App.