Hurricane Helene recently hit the US west coast, causing devastation in North Carolina. At least 133 people have died and many more are missing due to the storm’s impact. The state is facing severe flooding, with some areas receiving over 61 centimetres of rainfall. Asheville’s water system suffered catastrophic damage, leaving residents without access to clean water. Governor Roy Cooper has declared the storm as unprecedented, requiring an equally unprecedented response from government officials, aid groups, and volunteers. The county has experienced at least 40 fatalities as a result of the storm, prompting transportation secretary Joey Hopkins to urge people to stay off the roads due to severe damage.
President Joe Biden has acknowledged Hurricane Helene as a historic storm, mobilizing resources to help displaced families and devastated communities. Due to the storm’s effects, over 1,000 people are housed in temporary shelters managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Climate change has been cited as a factor in the intensification of such storms, leading to more destructive outcomes. Meanwhile, Taiwan is bracing for the impact of Typhoon Krathon, which is expected to make landfall on its western coast. Schools and offices have been closed, and residents evacuated from vulnerable areas in anticipation of the storm.
Typhoon Krathon is projected to hit Kaohsiung, a major port city, before moving across Taiwan and towards the East China Sea. The city’s mayor has advised residents to stay indoors and avoid areas at risk of flooding and landslides. Up to 80 centimetres of rain are forecasted in mountainous regions surrounding Kaohsiung. The mayor has compared the strength of Krathon to the devastating Typhoon Thelma of 1977, which resulted in numerous casualties. Taiwan has mobilized nearly 40,000 troops to assist with rescue efforts and mitigate the storm’s impact.
The situation in North Carolina remains dire following Hurricane Helene, with massive flooding and infrastructure damage posing significant challenges for recovery efforts. Various organizations and volunteers are working tirelessly to deliver supplies and aid to affected communities. Governor Cooper has emphasized the need for assistance from all sectors to address the crisis effectively. President Biden’s commitment to supporting displaced families and rebuilding communities underscores the gravity of the situation. As climate change continues to worsen, more extreme weather events like Hurricane Helene are likely to occur, necessitating proactive measures to mitigate their impact.
As Typhoon Krathon approaches Taiwan, authorities are taking preventative measures to minimize the storm’s effects on densely populated areas. Evacuations, cancellations, and troop mobilizations are all part of the preparedness plan to ensure residents’ safety. The mayor of Kaohsiung’s warnings of potential flooding and landslides underscore the seriousness of the situation. The impending storm serves as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and response in the face of natural disasters. By prioritizing safety and coordination, communities can better weather the impact of severe storms like Typhoon Krathon.
