2 months ago
19
The small town of
Steinhatchee
, located along US'
Florida
’s Gulf Coast, was left in ruins after
Hurricane Helene
unleashed 140 mph winds and a 10-foot
storm surge
this week. Most of the town’s 500
residents evacuated
, only to return and find their homes and businesses destroyed, according to the New York Post.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said Donna Landon, whose mobile home on the outskirts of Steinhatchee was completely lost.
The storm's impact has left few buildings standing, with the remaining structures heavily damaged. “I don’t think there’s anyone who hasn’t been touched by this,” Landon added.
On Friday, linemen from neighbouring states arrived to begin the difficult task of restoring the town’s
power grid
. Russ Rhodes, a member of a repair crew warned the residents and said, “It’s going to take weeks to fix it. We’re basically going to have to start from scratch.”
A famous local establishment on the Steinhatchee River,
Roy’s Restaurant
, was also destroyed. Manager Linda Wicker, whose team recently reopened after Hurricane Idalia last year, vowed to rebuild yet again. “It’s insured, but it’s never enough,” Wicker told the Palm Beach Post, determined to support her 30 employees.
Trees blocked roads and power poles were shattered in the nearby town of
Perry
, a region of of 7,000 residents. Roofs have been ripped off homes, and there is no electricity or running water. “I’ve been in Florida all my life, and it’s never been this bad,” said 80-year-old Nancy Belleville, grateful for her survival.
