Hurricane Helene claims over 249 lives in disastrous 2024 season

In the wake of the catastrophic 2024 hurricane season, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) announced the retirement of the names of four major hurricanes that made a significant impact across various regions, including the Caribbean, the United States, and Mexico. This decision highlights the severity of the storms involved, which resulted in over 300 fatalities and damages exceeding $119 billion. Among the storms retired were Helene, Milton, Beryl, and John, each causing extensive destruction and loss of life in their respective paths. The retirement of names is a well-established practice whereby names of particularly deadly or costly storms are replaced to honor the lives lost and the impacts experienced. Hurricane Helene emerged as the deadliest storm of the season, causing catastrophic flooding and wind damage, particularly in the southeastern United States, where it struck Florida's Gulf Coast as a Category 4 storm. Helene resulted in 249 fatalities, making it the most deadly hurricane in the U.S. since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The storm inflicted estimated damages of approximately $78.7 billion, marking it as the seventh most expensive hurricane in U.S. history according to 2024 calculations. While its landfall occurred in Florida, most of the destruction and loss of life were reported inland in North and South Carolina, highlighting the far-reaching effects of such storms. Following closely, Hurricane Milton presented additional dangers, making landfall shortly after Helene. Milton rapidly intensified to Category 5 strength while passing over the Gulf of Mexico before making landfall as a Category 3 storm near Siesta Key, Florida. The hurricane caused extensive wind damage and fierce flooding across Florida, leading to 15 fatalities and damages estimated at around $34.3 billion. Milton was also notable for triggering a significant tornado outbreak in Florida, further compounding the destruction from the storm. Another major storm, Hurricane Beryl, distinguished itself as the earliest Category 5 hurricane recorded in the Atlantic basin. Beryl struck on July 1, impacting Grenada's Carriacou and Petite Martinique, where virtually all homes faced damage or destruction. This storm caused 34 deaths across multiple countries, including the United States, Jamaica, Grenada, and Venezuela. Furthermore, the Pacific hurricane named John also significantly impacted Mexico's Guerrero state, resulting in 29 fatalities owing to extreme rainfall and subsequent flooding. The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season was marked by a total of 18 named storms, of which 11 were hurricanes and 5 categorized as major hurricanes. Despite advancements in forecasting and disaster preparedness aimed at reducing fatalities, the WMO warns that economic losses due to tropical cyclones continue to rise, indicating an urgent need for improved risk management strategies and awareness of the increasing risks posed by climate change.