North Carolina government estimates Hurricane Helene caused at least $53 billion in damage

The North Carolina government on Wednesday released an estimate that Hurricane Helene caused at least $53 billion in damage, particularly in the western part of the state.

The state budget office calculated the preliminary amount which also includes potential investments to avoid similar expensive damages during hurricanes in the future.

“It is no exaggeration to describe Helene as the deadliest and most damaging storm ever to hit North Carolina,” said Gov. Roy Cooper, D-N.C.

Cooper said the $17 billion in damage from Hurricane Florence was the previous record set in 2018.

The death toll in North Carolina has reached 96, according to North Carolina government officials.