Superstorm Helene has killed at least 162 people in the US and caused billions of dollars in damage.

According to CNN statistics , the death toll from Hurricane Helene has increased to at least 162 people in 6 southeastern states of the US. This makes Helene the second deadliest storm in the US in the past 50 years after Hurricane Katrina.

The three states with the highest death tolls are North Carolina (73), South Carolina (36) and Georgia (25). Officials fear the death toll could rise as rescuers continue to determine the status of hundreds of missing people.

Hundreds of roads remain impassable due to flooding and landslides, especially in North and South Carolina, disrupting the supply of essential supplies. Some areas are so difficult to reach that supplies have to be airlifted. Rescuers have been walking for hours to reach isolated areas.

Five bridges in Tennessee were destroyed by the storm. The Tennessee Department of Transportation said eight other bridges were initially closed, but seven of them have since reopened.

More than 1.5 million households remain without power, with South Carolina the hardest hit state.

Hurricane Helene made landfall in the southeastern United States late last week, destroying roads, telecommunications towers, and homes. Insurance companies estimate the storm could cause anywhere from $15 billion to $100 billion in damage.

Scientists say climate change, driven largely by fossil fuel emissions, increased the severity of Hurricane Helene. The new findings are consistent with previous scientific research that suggests hurricanes are intensifying faster and producing more rain.

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Moment floodwaters sweep away bridge in US after superstorm Helene makes landfall