The hurricane "Helen" in the United States has resulted in 20 fatalities.

 

Before Hurricane Helen made landfall, the roads were deserted. Many areas were also without electricity at that time. This was reported last Thursday in Tallahassee, Florida. Photo: AFP.

Hurricane "Helen," one of the most powerful hurricanes in U.S. history, has struck the country, causing widespread devastation in Florida and Georgia. At least 20 people have been reported dead. As of Friday, over 2 million homes and businesses were without electricity.

The hurricane made landfall just after midnight local time on Thursday. It created chaotic conditions across a wide area of the coastline. Images from the Florida coast, particularly in Tampa, Naples, and St. Petersburg, show overturned boats, uprooted trees, and vehicles stranded in flooded streets.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed that debris from the storm led to the death of one driver, and he warned that more fatalities might be reported as the day progresses.

Utility companies have reported that over 1.2 million customers in Florida and 800,000 in Georgia are without power. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane Helen ranks as the 14th most powerful hurricane to hit the U.S. since record-keeping began, and it is the seventh strongest to impact Florida.

At the time of landfall, Helen had wind speeds of 225 kilometers per hour. It weakened as it moved northward over Georgia.