High winds and flooding from Hurricane Helene caused $370 million in damage and killed 49 people across upstate South Carolina, underscoring growing climate threats to inland regions.
Emmy Ribero reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- Hurricane Helene’s winds toppled trees, damaging homes and infrastructure in upstate South Carolina.
- Cleanup and recovery costs exceed $370 million, with debris removal and repairs still ongoing.
- Many residents were left without power or internet for weeks, affecting daily life and recovery efforts.
Key quote:
“We were in shock at first, but now it is just heartbreaking.”
— Saundra Hammond, Greer resident
Why this matters:
Hurricane Helene’s devastation shows that inland communities are increasingly vulnerable to climate change-driven storms. Tree loss and infrastructure damage affect air quality, stormwater management and community resilience. More people may now recognize the need for climate action to mitigate these impacts.
