President Biden is surveying damage from Hurricane Helene in Florida and Georgia, where at least 200 people have died. This visit follows his assessment of the Carolinas. Biden announced federal financial assistance and the deployment of active-duty soldiers to support relief efforts. Hundreds remain missing, and key infrastructure is severely affected by the storm.
President Biden traveled to Florida and Georgia on Thursday to assess the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Helene, which has resulted in a tragic death toll of at least 200. This visit marks the second consecutive day the President has been actively surveying the disaster’s impact in the Southeast; he had previously toured the Carolinas, where he examined the flooding devastation from Greenville, South Carolina, to Asheville, North Carolina, and engaged with emergency response officials in Raleigh. During his visit to the Carolinas on Wednesday, President Biden announced that the federal government would bear “100%” of the costs related to debris removal and emergency protective measures in North Carolina for a period extending six months. This support will also be extended to Florida and Georgia for the next 90 days. Vice President Kamala Harris visited Augusta, Georgia, on the same day to gather information on the aftermath of the storm. By Thursday morning, reports indicated that storm-related fatalities included victims from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, with hundreds of individuals still unaccounted for in regions without power, running water, or viable road access. On Thursday morning, President Biden commenced his itinerary in Tallahassee, Florida, where he undertook an aerial assessment of the destruction before proceeding to Perry, Florida. Notably, the Big Bend area was directly impacted when Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm. In Keaton Beach, Florida, the President received a detailed briefing amidst the wreckage, joined by Republican Senator Rick Scott of Florida. Following his visit to Florida, the President is expected to travel to Georgia for an on-site evaluation of the damage in Ray City, where he will address the observed destruction and the federal government’s response plans. Additionally, President Biden declared on Wednesday his decision to direct the Pentagon to mobilize up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to assist in delivering food and supplies to isolated communities across Georgia, Florida, and the Carolinas. Both President Biden and congressional leaders have indicated that it will be necessary for the federal government to consider supplemental funding to aid in addressing the extensive damage and resulting humanitarian crisis.
Hurricane Helene has severely affected multiple states in the southeastern United States, leading to significant destruction and loss of life. The federal and state governments are currently coordinating response efforts to provide aid to affected communities, and President Biden is visiting these areas to underscore the government’s commitment to support recovery efforts. The hurricane’s impact has raised concerns about infrastructure, public safety, and the urgent need for humanitarian assistance.
In summary, President Biden’s visit to Florida and Georgia underscores the federal government’s commitment to addressing the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene. With the death toll rising and hundreds still missing, the administration is prioritizing disaster response, including financial assistance for relief efforts and the deployment of military personnel to help affected communities. As the situation evolves, further actions and resources will be required to facilitate recovery and restore normalcy in the impacted regions.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
