Kelsey McGovern, Staff Writer

Hurricane Helene has struck Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee. The hurricane left American towns unrecognizable, killing more than 200 people across six states. The Category 4 hurricane experienced winds up to 140 miles per hour, stemming from Florida on September 26. According to ABC News, North Carolina received 30 inches of rain, which “produced the biggest local flooding in recorded history.” 

North Carolina’s rivers reached their highest heights, resulting in extreme flooding and landslides. On 6 ABC, the story of a group of 31 ninth graders and three chaperones from Girard College in Philadelphia was explained, touching the hearts of many people. The students were on a camping trip in Asheville, North Carolina and ended up fearing for their lives. Their field trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains was unexpectedly extended due to the damage. 

The path from the mountain to their base was destroyed, preventing the campers from returning to the camp’s base at Table Rock Mountain because of the debris. These young students were stranded on top of the mountain, attempting to reach their parents to tell them they were taking the correct precautions to protect themselves. One student, Tiara, recounted her experience of trees falling and constant thunder. Parents were very worried for their children’s safety in the cabin. Another student, Prince, commented on there being no power to see or to heat the cabin, stating how cold they all were. 

The students’ departure is recorded on CBS News, and was completed in four parts. First, the group hiked 2 miles down the mountain, where they were met with four-wheelers to take them further down to land. Next, the group took a van down the rest of the mountain before boarding the bus home to Philadelphia. The students were supposed to return home late Friday, Sept. 27, but ended up not reaching home until Tuesday, Oct. 1, embracing their families. 

Students at La Salle feel for these students as well. “I could not imagine the fear the students must have felt with the loud sounds of thunder and heavy rain,” said freshman Ella Ryer. “I am very glad to see the Girard students made it safely back home, despite the trauma they have undergone.”

Junior Katie McGovern mentioned, “Their parents must have been extremely worried for their children as they were only 14 or 15-years-old. I am happy that they took necessary provisions to protect themselves in that cabin.”

“The government needs to help the people in the affected areas because their homes and neighborhoods are destroyed,” said freshman Myla Durie speaking to the effects of Hurricane Helene. “Many states have been impacted and many lives have been lost. It is crazy to see large regions in complete debris, and it is very saddening to think about the people who have lost their loved ones.”