Since Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region on Thursday, it has caused extensive damage totaling at least in the tens of billions of dollars, according to analysts. The deadly storm hit Florida's Gulf Coast as a Category 4 hurricane with 140-mph winds before moving north through Georgia, Tennessee and the Carolinas and weakening to a post-tropical cyclone. Helene left severe storm surge, catastrophic flooding and wind damage, and millions of power outages. The death toll surpassed more than 100 people. The images and videos coming out of the hurricane-damaged towns have been difficult to look at, from homes completely leveled to residents fleeing the storm surge. Here's how you can best support Hurricane Helene victims.

The most effective way to help victims is through cash donations, as that’s the quickest way to get assistance to those in need. It immediately grants on-the-ground charities the flexibility to purchase the supplies they need.

While there is often an urge to send water, blankets, food, and other items, charity organizations aren't ready to handle the logistical nightmare of organizing, sorting, storing, and distributing physical goods. Donating money to trusted charities means the money goes to what's needed right now in the places it's needed most.

Charities also often get bulk discounts and, if possible, will purchase items in the disaster area to help support local economic recovery. There might be a time when items are needed, but in the early days it's money.

American Red Cross: Always one of the first groups in and probably the best-known aid organization in the world, the Red Cross offers food, shelter, supplies, and emotional support to victims of crisis. It already has hundreds of workers and volunteers in Florida and has opened dozens of shelters for evacuees, making it a strong choice for supporting Hurricane Helene victims. You can contribute to the national group's Helene relief efforts.

GoFundMe: GoFundMe fundraisers for people impacted by Hurricane Helene are already piling up in this popular crowdfunding site that connects you directly to people who need help. This can be a great way to help individuals in need and put a face on the person you're donating to, but it also can be an easy way to get scammed. Read the campaigns carefully. GoFundMe has set up a dedicated hub of Helene requests that have been vetted. The company also has its own Hurricane Relief Fund you can donate to, which provides cash grants to people who need help.

Read the full article about supporting Hurricane Helene victims by Samantha Neely at Yahoo News.