Satellite images of Hurricane Helene show widespread devastation in North Carolina as the death toll continues to rise

A week later Hurricane Helene ripped through and devastated the southeastern United States Western North Carolina During heavy rains and severe flooding, satellite images show the extent of the damage.

Officials previously said hundreds of roads were destroyed in western North Carolina were inaccessible because of the effects of the storm, hinder rescue efforts. Residents reported seeing water as high as that Roofs of some houses.

At least 219 people have been confirmed dead and officials expect the death toll to continue to rise as reconstruction efforts continue.

Satellite images show blurred streets and buildings. An image shows mud and debris near Old Fort Elementary School in Old Fort, North Carolina.

Old Fort is one of the hardest hit areas, CBS affiliate WNCN-TV reported. Cars, houses and more were swept away by the severe flooding. Electricity, water and other essential services have yet to be fully restored.

Another satellite image from the city shows empty areas where houses once stood, as well as fallen trees and power lines.

In the town of Spruce Pine, the local North Toe River overflowed its banks and flooded the region, which is also the source of the quartz used in microchips, according to NPR.

According to the National Weather Service, more than two feet of rain fell in the city and images show muddy streets, destroyed homes and more devastation.

President Joe Biden saw the damage and cleanup efforts in Florida and Georgia on Thursday, saying reconstruction efforts will cost “billions of dollars.” On Wednesday he has visited the Carolinas and surveyed the damage by air.

Mr. Biden said at the time that the federal government would cover 100% of all debris removal and emergency response costs in North Carolina for six months and would do the same for Florida and Georgia for the next 90 days.

“In moments like these, it is time to put politics aside,” the president said against the backdrop of devastated Ray City, Georgia. “There are no Democrats or Republicans out here.”