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china news service, september 28 (xinhua) comprehensive foreign media reports indicate that since hurricane helene made landfall in florida, the united states, on the 26th local time, at least 44 people have been killed so far.

the biden administration declared a state of emergency in alabama, north carolina and many other states, and issued a statement expressing condolences to the victims. the statement also urged affected people to pay attention to the opinions of local authorities and take precautions.

　　more than 40 people died

according to comprehensive us media reports, hurricane helene made landfall in florida, usa, late at night on the 26th local time. with wind speeds of up to 225 kilometers per hour at the center of the storm, it is one of the hurricanes that has caused significant damage to the united states in recent years.

although helene is gradually weakening, it still poses a fatal threat to people along its path. according to statistics from the american broadcasting corporation (abc) and the associated press, at least 44 people have been killed in five states: florida, georgia, north carolina, south carolina and virginia due to the impact of helene.

among them, georgia governor kemp said that 15 people died in the state, including a first responder, as well as a mother and her twin babies. in florida, nine people have been killed.

as the impact of "heleni" continued, strong winds knocked down a large number of power poles and road signs fell down, hitting passing vehicles. according to statistics, more than 4.6 million users in the southern united states were without power at one time.

a florida resident described it as, "the water came out of nowhere and rose to a high level in about an hour and a half. i prepared a one-person boat to escape, but i didn't expect to use it in my living room."

　　many places in the united states have entered a state of emergency

according to the white house website on the 27th local time, us president biden and vice president harris issued a statement saying that they were praying for the american people who have lost their loved ones and all those affected by "heleni".

the statement said that although the storm has weakened, conditions remain extremely dangerous and the biden administration continues to urge residents to heed warnings from local officials and evacuate immediately when told.

the statement noted that u.s. coast guard crews have mobilized more than 1,500 federal government personnel to provide support to affected communities and will continue to send ships and aircraft to assist with rescue operations.

in response to the impact of "heleni" on various states, us president biden declared a state of emergency in alabama, north carolina, georgia and other states on the 26th. in addition, florida, south carolina and virginia have also declared states of emergency.