In a show of solidarity and commitment, US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris traveled to areas in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia ravaged by the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. The storm has resulted in at least 159 fatalities across six states, prompting urgent rescue and recovery operations.
Upon landing in South Carolina, Biden met with local officials and first responders to assess the extensive damage. He later flew by helicopter over Asheville, North Carolina, one of the cities hardest hit, and is set to visit a rescue command center in the state, where the impact of the storm has been particularly severe, with over 70 reported deaths.
During his address, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas characterized Hurricane Helene as a storm of “historic strength,” noting that entire towns have been “literally” wiped off the map. He emphasized that recovery efforts will require a “multi-billion-dollar, multi-year” commitment.
Prior to his departure from Washington, Biden announced the deployment of up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to North Carolina to enhance emergency response efforts, aimed at delivering crucial supplies such as food, water, and medicine to isolated communities. “My heart goes out to everyone who has experienced unthinkable loss,” Biden stated. “We are here for you — and we will stay here for as long as it takes.”
The federal response team has swelled to over 4,800 personnel, including emergency responders and health workers, while the Pentagon has activated more than 6,500 National Guard members.
As Harris traveled to Georgia, another state severely impacted by the storm, Biden’s upcoming itinerary includes a visit to Florida, where the hurricane made landfall as a Category 4 storm. The heavy rainfall from Helene has particularly devastated areas in the Appalachian mountains, isolating many towns and villages.
Biden acknowledged that he delayed his visit to avoid interfering with emergency operations. Both North Carolina and Georgia are crucial swing states ahead of the November 5 election, where early voting is already underway.
The political climate surrounding the disaster has become increasingly charged. Former President Donald Trump has sought to capitalize on the situation, accusing the Biden administration of neglecting the crisis and denying assistance to his supporters. In response, Biden labeled Trump’s comments as “lies” and described his attacks as “irresponsible.”
The ongoing hurricane response comes at a critical time for Biden and Harris as they navigate a series of pressing issues, including escalating tensions in the Middle East and a looming strike by US dockworkers that threatens the economy. As the clock ticks down to the election, both leaders are focused on delivering support to those affected by the devastating storm while managing the political fallout.
