**Helene Becomes Deadliest Hurricane Since Katrina, Leaving Devastation in its Wake**

In a grim milestone, Hurricane Helene has emerged as the deadliest hurricane to hit the U.S. mainland since Katrina. Striking the Big Bend area of Florida as a formidable Category 4 storm, Helene has left a trail of destruction and tragedy across multiple states.

The latest reports confirm that more than 100 deaths have occurred across six states, with North Carolina suffering the highest toll. The mountainous western regions of North Carolina bore the brunt of the storm, resulting in significant closures of roads and a struggle for residents to access essential resources such as water and power.

In Florida, many areas experienced their most severe storm surge on record when Helene made landfall. Thousands of homes, many lacking insurance, were directly in the storm's path, culminating in an estimated $26 billion in property damage.

The catastrophic impact of Hurricane Helene underscores the vulnerability of coastal and mountainous regions alike, and the urgent need for improved preparedness and resilience in the face of such natural disasters.