September 29th 2024.
As the aftermath of Hurricane Helene continues to unfold, authorities are now turning their attention to the potential hazards posed by electric vehicles that were exposed to saltwater during the storm. This is a serious concern, as saltwater can severely damage the battery components of these vehicles, potentially leading to dangerous chemical reactions that could result in a fire.
In light of this, officials are urging those who evacuated to report any electric vehicles or golf carts that were left behind in garages or under buildings. If these vehicles cannot be safely accessed or moved, it is important to notify the proper authorities. This is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of both individuals and the surrounding community.
For those who may have left their electric vehicles behind when they evacuated, it is important to contact local emergency services for assistance. Recovery operations are still underway, and authorities are working to mitigate any potential hazards caused by damaged electric vehicle batteries. As the death toll rises to sixty-four and millions continue to be affected by power outages, it is crucial to take every precaution to ensure the safety of those impacted by this devastating storm.
Emergency responders have advised residents not to try and move a flooded electric vehicle themselves, as this can be extremely dangerous. Instead, it is best to contact authorities for help. The states of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, and Virginia have all declared emergencies in the wake of Hurricane Helene, highlighting the severity of the situation.
According to officials, many people have been left stranded or without shelter in the aftermath of the storm. The energy department reports that about 2.7 million households are without power in the south-east, a decrease from the peak of 4.6 million on Friday. The estimated damages from this storm are staggering, with forecasts predicting losses of up to $34 billion in property damage and reduced economic output. Some preliminary estimates even suggest that Helene could go down as one of the most destructive storms in America's history.
In response to this devastation, the US government's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is leading a massive rescue and clean-up operation involving 3,200 personnel across the six states where emergencies have been declared. Despite having weakened from its peak strength of 140mph winds, Helene is still causing widespread damage and is expected to dissipate by Monday.
North Carolina has been hit the hardest by this storm, with a death toll of 25, the highest in the state since Hurricane Hugo in 1989. As a result, six states have declared a state of emergency, and President Joe Biden has declared major disasters for North Carolina and Florida, unlocking federal assistance programs for the affected areas. Emergency disaster declarations have also been approved for Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina took to social media to share the devastation in the western part of the state and to reassure residents that efforts are being made to save lives and begin the difficult recovery process. The US National Weather Service office in South Carolina has also expressed their devastation at the storm's impact, calling it the worst event in their office's history. "We are devastated by the horrific flooding and widespread wind damage caused by Hurricane Helene across our forecast area," they said.
As recovery efforts continue, it is important for residents to remain vigilant and follow the guidance of authorities to ensure their safety and the safety of others. Our thoughts are with those affected by this devastating storm, and we will continue to provide updates as the situation develops.
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