States across the Southeastern U.S. started a massive cleanup and recovery effort on Sunday after winds, rain and storm surges from Hurricane Helene knocked out power for millions, destroyed roads and bridges, and caused catastrophic flooding from Florida to Virginia.
The death toll continues to climb as emergency responses continue in South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia. The storm killed at least 69 people, according to a Reuters tally of state and local officials. Officials feared still more bodies would be discovered.
Damage estimates ranged from $15 billion to more than $100 billion, insurers and forecasters said over the weekend. Property damage and lost economic output will become clearer as officials assess the destruction…