News
At Least 43 Dead as Hurricane Helene Batters Southeast US
Hurricane Helene has left at least 43 people dead and millions without power across the southeastern United States as rescue efforts continue in the wake of one of the most powerful storms to ever hit the region. The storm made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend on Thursday night, before sweeping north into Georgia and the Carolinas, causing widespread devastation.
Rescue teams have been working around the clock, using helicopters, boats, and large vehicles to reach those stranded by floodwaters. In Tennessee, approximately 50 patients and staff members were rescued from the roof of a flooded hospital after swift-moving waters from the Nolichucky River cut off access.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported storm surges of over 15 feet in some coastal areas of Florida, with damage costs expected to run into the billions. High winds and heavy rain, with up to 20 inches in some places, have caused extensive flooding, downed trees, and destroyed homes.
In Florida, at least eight people have died, including five in Pinellas County. The storm has also claimed lives in Georgia, where at least 15 people perished, including a first responder. Suspected tornadoes caused by the storm in Georgia left further destruction, killing two people and injuring several others.
Virginia has also reported one fatality, bringing the death toll across the region to 43. Meanwhile, more than three million homes and businesses remain without power as recovery efforts continue.
Despite the storm weakening as it moves north, authorities warn that the risk of flooding and landslides persists in several areas. Rescue operations are ongoing, and officials are urging people to remain vigilant in the face of continuing danger.
Severe flash floods and landslides in central Bosnia-Herzegovina have claimed at least 14 lives, with entire towns and villages left isolated by the destruction. The hardest-hit areas include the region around Jablanica, a town located between the cities of Mostar and Sarajevo, where homes were submerged, and landslides buried buildings in debris.
After an intense overnight storm, rivers overflowed, causing widespread flooding and leaving many people missing. Authorities have declared a state of emergency as they continue rescue and recovery efforts. Development Minister Vojin Mijatovic described the situation as a “terrible disaster” and urged residents to remain calm.
The floodwaters washed away roads, bridges, and railways, leaving infrastructure in ruins. In some areas, aerial images show communities completely inundated, with landslides further complicating rescue operations. A critical section of the M-17 road near Jablanica has been blocked by debris, and part of a railway track was left hanging after a landslide.
In Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, local officials have warned drivers to stay off roads near Jablanica due to the hazardous conditions. To the west, around Kiseljak, floodwaters left cars submerged and streets completely underwater, adding to the devastation. As rescue teams work tirelessly, the number of casualties is feared to rise in the coming days.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved the first rapid diagnostic test for mpox, a key development in curbing the rising global cases of the virus, previously known as monkeypox. The new PCR test can detect mpox DNA from skin lesion swabs, providing immediate results, significantly speeding up the process compared to current tests that require samples to be sent to a laboratory, causing delays.
This breakthrough is expected to be especially helpful in Africa, where limited testing capacity has exacerbated the spread of mpox. Of the 30,000 suspected cases in Africa this year, only 40% have been confirmed through existing tests, according to WHO data. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the hardest-hit country with 635 deaths from mpox this year, is set to launch an mpox vaccination program this Saturday.
Yukiko Nakatani, WHO’s assistant director-general, hailed the new diagnostic tool as a “significant milestone” in increasing access to quality healthcare products. This new test is expected to strengthen efforts to contain the virus, particularly in underserved regions.
The Israeli government has banned United Nations Secretary General António Guterres from entering Israel, following his response to a missile attack launched by Iran. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz criticized Guterres for not directly condemning Iran’s aggression, labeling him an “anti-Israel secretary-general who lends support to terrorists.”
Iran recently fired 180 ballistic missiles into Israel, marking an escalation in the ongoing regional conflict. Guterres responded by calling for an end to the escalating violence in the Middle East but refrained from specifically condemning Iran’s attack, which drew sharp criticism from the Israeli government.
In a statement, Katz declared Guterres persona non grata, stressing that individuals who do not clearly condemn attacks on Israel should not be allowed into the country. This follows a year of heightened tensions, with growing conflict between Israel and Iran-backed groups, including Hezbollah.
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