President Biden is currently surveying the damage caused by Hurricane Helene in Florida and Georgia, as the death toll reaches 200. He announced federal aid for debris removal and military support for affected areas. His visit follows an assessment of damage in the Carolinas, underscoring ongoing efforts to respond to the humanitarian crisis.
On Thursday, President Joe Biden traveled to Florida and Georgia to assess the extensive devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, as the death toll tragically reached 200. This marks the president’s second day of evaluations in the Southeast following his aerial tours of the Carolinas the previous day, where he observed flood damage from Greenville, South Carolina, to Asheville, North Carolina. In Raleigh, he received emergency response updates from local officials. During his visit to North Carolina, President Biden announced that the federal government would cover “100%” of debris removal and emergency protective measures for the state for six months. Similar financial assistance will extend to Florida and Georgia for a period of 90 days. Vice President Kamala Harris also visited Augusta, Georgia, on Wednesday to gather information on the aftermath of the hurricane. As of Thursday morning, the storm-related fatalities had surged to at least 200 across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, while hundreds of individuals remain unaccounted for. Numerous communities continue to grapple with the absence of essential services, including power, clean water, and accessible roads. The president’s first destination in Florida was Tallahassee, where he conducted an aerial survey of the damage inflicted by the hurricane before proceeding to Perry, Florida. Helene made landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida as a Category 4 storm. In Keaton Beach, surrounded by debris, President Biden received a briefing on the situation. Florida’s Republican Senator Rick Scott accompanied him during this tour. Following his activities in Florida, the president will journey to Georgia for an on-ground inspection of the damage in Ray City. There, he is expected to address the impact of the storm and outline federal response measures to assist affected areas. President Biden also revealed on Wednesday that he has directed the Pentagon to deploy up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to facilitate food and supply deliveries to isolated communities across Georgia, Florida, and the Carolinas. Both President Biden and congressional leaders indicated that it is highly probable that supplemental funding will be required to manage the aftermath of the destruction and humanitarian needs resulting from Hurricane Helene.
Hurricane Helene struck the Southeastern United States as a powerful Category 4 storm, causing extensive destruction and leading to significant loss of life. The storm impacted several states, including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The damage has been profound, with communities facing dire circumstances such as power outages, lack of running water, and impassable roads. The response from federal and state authorities is critical in managing the recovery and humanitarian efforts.
In conclusion, President Biden’s visit to Florida and Georgia emphasizes the federal government’s commitment to addressing the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene. Both financial support and military resources are being mobilized to assist the affected regions. With a rising death toll and ongoing humanitarian crisis, the federal government is poised to take further action, including the potential for supplemental funding to aid recovery efforts.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
