Washington [US], September 28: U.S. authorities were trying to get a handle on Hurricane Helene's extreme swath of destruction, which stretched across Florida, Georgia and much of the southeastern U.S. on Friday, leaving at least 40 people dead in four states and millions without power.
AP reported that floodwaters inundated cars and buildings, and the winds ripped the roofs off businesses, houses and churches.
US President Joe Biden has declared a state of emergency in Florida, Georgia, South and North Carolina, and Alabama.
Helene was the eighth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which began 1st June. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted an above-average season this year because of record-warm ocean temperatures.
The Category 4 hurricane had maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (225 kph) and made landfall late Thursday where Florida's Panhandle and peninsula meet, a rural region home to fishing villages and vacation hideaways.
Source: Emirates News Agency
