Hurricane Helene Devastates Rural Southeast

With over 225 lives lost and many others still missing, Hurricane Helene’s devastation will cast a long shadow over affected communities. As the most powerful hurricane ever to strike Florida’s Big Bend region and the deadliest Atlantic storm since Hurricane Maria in 2017, Helene has left these communities not only grieving for lost loved ones but also grappling with the overwhelming challenge of rebuilding their homes, farms, and livelihoods.

Hurricane Helen uniquely affected rural communities, where agriculture is the lifeblood. Farmers have not only lost crops, livestock and essential infrastructure but also friends, family members, and their homes. This article examines long-term challenges rural communities may face as they begin to rebuild. While it’s too early to estimate total agricultural losses, understanding the region’s agricultural profile offers a glimpse of what recovery might look like. [READ MORE]