President Biden Surveying Damage from Hurricane Helene as Death Toll Reaches 200

On Thursday, President Biden traveled to Florida and Georgia to survey damage from Hurricane Helene, which has led to nearly 200 deaths across several states. He announced federal assistance for debris removal and deployed active-duty soldiers to help deliver supplies to affected communities.

On Thursday, President Joe Biden visited Florida and Georgia to assess the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Helene, which has resulted in a staggering death toll of 200. This marks the president’s second consecutive day dedicated to reviewing the storm’s aftermath in the Southeastern United States. His previous visits included aerial inspections over the Carolinas where he observed flood damage spanning from Greenville, South Carolina, to Asheville, North Carolina, while engaging with emergency response officials in Raleigh. During his tour, President Biden announced that the federal government would fully cover debris removal and emergency protective measures in North Carolina for a period of six months. In addition, he confirmed similar assistance for Florida and Georgia for 90 days. Vice President Kamala Harris had also been actively involved, visiting Augusta, Georgia, where she received briefings on the storm’s impact. As of Thursday morning, the death toll attributable to the storm had reached at least 200, encompassing victims from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Many individuals remain unaccounted for, and several communities continue to grapple with challenges such as power outages, lack of potable water, and impassable roads. President Biden commenced his Thursday engagements in Tallahassee, Florida, where he undertook an aerial tour of the destruction before proceeding to Perry, Florida. Notably, he was joined by Republican Senator Rick Scott for an on-the-ground briefing in Keaton Beach, an area heavily affected by the hurricane, where he witnessed the debris firsthand. Following his Florida visit, President Biden planned to travel to Georgia for an on-ground assessment in Ray City, where he would address the damage observed and detail the federal government’s proposed responses to the crisis. In an effort to expedite relief, he declared on Wednesday that he would direct the Pentagon to deploy up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to assist in delivering essential food and supplies to isolated communities across Georgia, Florida, and the Carolinas. Both President Biden and congressional leaders acknowledged that additional federal funding would likely be necessary to address the magnitude of the damage and the ensuing humanitarian crisis.

Hurricane Helene, which made landfall as a Category 4 storm, has inflicted significant damage across multiple states, leading to a humanitarian crisis characterized by loss of life, extensive property damage, and disruption of essential services. The federal government has mobilized resources to assist affected areas, pledging financial support and military assistance to facilitate disaster relief efforts in the aftermath of the hurricane.

In summary, President Biden’s visits to Florida and Georgia illustrate the federal government’s commitment to addressing the devastation left by Hurricane Helene. With a rising death toll and numerous individuals unaccounted for, the administration is taking decisive steps to restore affected communities and provide necessary aid. The deployment of active-duty soldiers underscores the urgency of the situation, as the nation rallies to support those in distress during this challenging time.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com