Hurricane Helene is still making history. As of late Sunday night, 116 people were confirmed dead from Hurricane Helene and the death toll is expected to rise as more than a thousand people are still unaccounted for.
After tearing through the Gulf Coast as a Category-4 hurricane, Helene moved north toward the Carolinas, bringing down trees and power lines in its path. Western North Carolina was particularly ravaged with floods and mudslides. The city of Chimney Rock, North Carolina, was completely destroyed by the storm. On Sunday morning, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina called it, “an unprecedented tragedy that requires an unprecedented response.”
More than 460,000 customers were without power and more than 1000 had taken refuge in 24 shelters. A major disaster declaration was in effect for 25 counties. The death toll from Helene reached 90 people over the weekend but is continuing to rise as rescue efforts remain underway. This story is developing. (The New York Times)
American Red Cross: Always one of the first groups in and probably the best-known aid organization in the world, the Red Cross offers food, shelter, supplies, and emotional support to victims of crisis.
The Salvation Army: Another group quick to get on the ground when disaster strikes, the Salvation Army provides food, drinks, shelter, emotional and spiritual care and other emergency services to survivors and rescue workers. You can donate to Helene efforts online.
World Central Kitchen: When there is a disaster, Chef José Andrés is there with his teams to set up kitchen facilities and start serving thousands of meals to victims and responders. You can help by donating on their website.
Humane Society Disaster Relief: This group evacuates animals from shelters before and after hurricanes and other natural disasters. You can donate atsecured.humanesociety.org/page/81880.
Pet Helpers is launching a pet supply donation drive to assist our neighbors who have been heavily impacted by the storm. The drive will collect essential supplies for both cats and dogs, such as collars, leashes, harnesses, canned food, dry food, cat litter, and more.
Donations can be dropped off at two convenient locations:
- Pet Helpers: 1447 Folly Road
- Animal Helpers Retail: 1903 Savannah Highway
More details: Yahoo News – How to Help
