Six days after Hurricane Helene tore through the southeastern United States, communities across North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida are still grappling with the devastating aftermath. The powerful storm, which made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane, has left at least 162 people dead, with many still unaccounted for, and has caused widespread damage to infrastructure, leaving thousands without power, food, or water.

In North Carolina, over 349,000 residents remain without power, down from a peak of over a million. Access to clean water is a critical issue, with about 160 boil water advisories still in effect. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with teams rescuing more than 440 people and evacuating nearly 4,700 from flooded areas. The state has opened 25 shelters, housing over 1,000 displaced residents. Governor Roy Cooper described the response to the crisis as a “massive effort of coordination,” emphasizing the urgent need to restore critical infrastructure. However, nearly 400 roads remain closed, complicating relief efforts and limiting access to isolated communities.

In Tennessee, the storm destroyed at least five state-owned bridges and damaged several others, disrupting transportation and delaying recovery. Residents in eastern Tennessee have been ordered to conserve water, as 16 utilities in the area have issued boil water advisories. Many are urged to avoid using water for non-essential purposes, with clean water prioritized for consumption. David Salyers, Tennessee's Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner, urged citizens to conserve water, noting that clean water is essential for recovery.

In Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp suspended the state’s gas tax to provide temporary relief to those relying on fuel for recovery efforts. The suspension began on October 3 and will last until October 9, aiming to support residents and businesses affected by the hurricane and ensure fuel availability for essential recovery operations.

Federal aid has been mobilized, with over 3,500 personnel assisting in recovery efforts. In Asheville, North Carolina, FEMA and World Central Kitchen have been providing critical supplies and meals to affected residents. World Central Kitchen has served over 64,000 meals across four states, using helicopters to reach isolated areas where roads are impassable. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are scheduled to visit the hardest-hit areas on Wednesday, with Biden taking an aerial tour of western North Carolina and Harris visiting Augusta, Georgia, to receive briefings on recovery operations.

As the Southeast continues to recover from the storm, relief organizations and local authorities are working around the clock to restore power, rebuild infrastructure, and provide essential supplies to affected communities. The recovery from Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic impact is expected to take months, if not longer.