HHS declares public health emergency in Georgia after hurricane Helene

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declared a public health emergency in Georgia due to Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact. A similar emergency was declared in Florida a day earlier. (AP photo)

Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm with winds of 140 mph, has left at least 40 people dead across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. (AP photo)

Rescue teams have been deployed in Georgia, where hospitals lost power and roads are blocked by debris. In Tennessee, 54 people were airlifted from Unicoi County Hospital due to flooding. All patients and staff were safely evacuated. (AP photo)

Tornadoes hit several areas, including North Carolina, where four people were critically injured. In Perry, Florida, homes and community buildings were destroyed. (AP photo)

Authorities have issued curfews and warned residents to avoid dangerous floodwaters, which are filled with debris. Rescue teams are using boats in some areas. (AP photo)

President Joe Biden expressed sympathy for those affected and confirmed FEMA had deployed 1,500 workers. By Friday, 400 rescues had been completed. (AP photo)

Nearly 4 million homes and businesses have lost power across Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Georgia’s power infrastructure has been significantly damaged. (AP photo)

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said Helene’s destruction is worse than Hurricanes Idalia and Debby combined. Inspectors are assessing bridges and roads to restore traffic. (AP photo)

Helene is the eighth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which is expected to be above average. Recovery efforts across the southeastern US will take time. (AP photo)

The full extent of the damage is still being assessed as relief efforts continue in the region. (AP photo)