Gov. Brian Kemp said at a news conference Thursday that the death in Georgia from Hurricane Helene is now at least 33.
The nationwide total makes the storm that reached a category 4 at its maximum strength the deadliest to hit the U.S. mainland since Katrina in 2005. A week after Helene struck the Southeast, more than 200 people are now confirmed dead across six states, and the death toll will likely continue to go up as hundreds remain missing.
Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of people are still without power in Georgia and the Carolinas.
Other highlights from Gov. Kemp’s news conference:
Thursday, October 3:
- Governor Kemp spoke with President Biden thanking him for visiting the state and pushed for more counties to be added to the disaster declaration list and for additional support.
- The Governor also spoke with Agriculture Secretary Vilsack & Deputy Secretary of Kathleen Hicks to provide an update on needs surrounding access to meals ready-to-eat (MRE).
- The Governor was joined by GEMA/HS Director Chris Stallings, General Dwayne Wilson of the Georgia National Guard, GDOT Commissioner Russell McMurry, and DPS leadership for a press conference providing the latest updates on the state’s response and on the ground conditions.