President Biden Surveys Hurricane Helene Damage as Death Toll Reaches 200 in Southeastern States
President Biden visited Florida and Georgia to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Helene, which has resulted in a death toll of at least 200 across multiple states. The president allocated federal resources for recovery efforts and announced the deployment of active-duty soldiers to assist in relief operations. The visit reflects a continued commitment to support the affected communities as they navigate the humanitarian crisis following the storm.
On Thursday, President Biden traveled to Florida and Georgia to assess the extensive destruction caused by Hurricane Helene, following a tragic death toll that has risen to at least 200. This visit marks the president’s second consecutive day dedicated to inspecting hurricane-related damage in the Southeastern United States; he began his tour by evaluating the flood repercussions from Greenville, South Carolina to Asheville, North Carolina. During his earlier visit to the Carolinas, President Biden announced that the federal government would finance “100%” of debris removal and emergency protective measures for a six-month period in North Carolina while extending similar support for Florida and Georgia for the next 90 days. Vice President Kamala Harris also engaged in recovery efforts, visiting Augusta, Georgia to gather updates on Hurricane Helene’s aftermath. As of Thursday morning, storm-related fatalities are reported across several states, including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, with a significant number of individuals still unaccounted for. Many communities are enduring ongoing challenges, lacking power, potable water, and accessible roadways. The president commenced his Thursday itinerary in Tallahassee, Florida, where he conducted an aerial survey of the affected region before proceeding to Perry, Florida. This area, known as the Big Bend, experienced the storm’s landfall as a Category 4 hurricane. President Biden received a briefing on-site in Keaton Beach, surrounded by debris from the storm, alongside Republican Senator Rick Scott of Florida. Following this, the president planned to continue to Georgia to conduct an on-ground assessment in Ray City, where he is expected to discuss the devastation and federal relief efforts. Notably, President Biden has dispatched a directive to the Pentagon to allocate up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to assist in delivering essential supplies and food to isolated communities in the affected states. Both the president and congressional leaders acknowledge that the federal government is likely to require additional funding to effectively address the extensive damage and humanitarian crisis resulting from the hurricane.
Hurricane Helene struck the southeastern United States, causing severe devastation in multiple states, including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The storm’s heavy rainfall and wind action resulted in flooding and infrastructural damage, leading to significant evacuations and a humanitarian crisis. As the federal government responds to the disaster, key officials, including President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, have been actively engaging in recovery operations and assessments to facilitate aid distribution and support revival efforts.
In summary, President Biden’s visit to Florida and Georgia underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene. With reported fatalities climbing to 200 and numerous individuals still missing, immediate action is imperative. Federal support, including deployment of military resources and financial assistance for recovery efforts, will be essential to restore affected communities and provide necessary aid to those in need.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
