President Biden Surveys Hurricane Helene Damage in Florida and Georgia

President Biden visits Florida and Georgia to assess Hurricane Helene damage, with the death toll exceeding 200. He announces federal assistance covering debris removal and the deployment of military personnel to aid affected communities. His trip follows a similar assessment in the Carolinas as the government prepares for substantial funding requests to address the disaster.

On Thursday, President Biden traveled to Florida and Georgia to assess the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, with the confirmed death toll now exceeding 200 across multiple states, including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. This visit marks the second consecutive day that the President has focused on surveying hurricane damage in the Southeast region of the United States. On Wednesday, he inspected flood damage across parts of the Carolinas, specifically from Greenville, South Carolina, to Asheville, North Carolina, from an aerial perspective and met with emergency response officials in Raleigh. During his time in the Carolinas, President Biden announced that the federal government would cover “100%” of costs related to debris removal and emergency protective measures in North Carolina for a period of six months. This federal assistance will also extend to Florida and Georgia for the next 90 days as they respond to the aftermath of the storm. Vice President Kamala Harris was seen in Augusta, Georgia, earlier in the week, receiving updates on Hurricane Helene’s consequences. As of Thursday morning, reports indicate that hundreds of individuals remain unaccounted for, with many communities still lacking essential utilities such as electricity, running water, and accessible roadways. In his visit to Tallahassee, Florida, President Biden conducted an aerial tour of the impacted areas, proceeding to Perry, Florida, where he received a direct briefing in Keaton Beach, amid considerable debris left in the storm’s wake. Florida’s Republican Senator Rick Scott accompanied the President during this tour. Following his engagements in Florida, President Biden is scheduled to travel to Georgia for a ground assessment of the devastation in Ray City, where he will deliver remarks regarding the observed destruction and outline federal government efforts to mitigate the damages. Additionally, President Biden has announced that he is directing the Pentagon to deploy up to 1,000 active-duty military personnel to assist with the distribution of food and supplies to isolated communities in Georgia, Florida, and the Carolinas. Both President Biden and congressional leaders have indicated that additional federal funding will likely be necessary to adequately respond to the extensive damage and the resultant humanitarian crisis stemming from Hurricane Helene.

Hurricane Helene struck the Southeastern United States as a Category 4 storm, leaving a trail of destruction across several states. The damage from this hurricane has been devastating, with significant loss of life, infrastructure failures, and ongoing humanitarian challenges. As communities grapple with the aftermath of the storm, both federal and state governments are mobilizing resources to provide assistance and support recovery efforts, focusing on debris removal, the restoration of services, and the provision of aid to those adversely affected. President Biden’s visit to Florida and Georgia is part of a broader effort to oversee the federal response and ensure that impacted areas receive necessary support.

In conclusion, President Biden’s visit to Florida and Georgia underscores the federal government’s commitment to addressing the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, particularly as communities cope with significant loss and damage. With over 200 confirmed deaths and many individuals still unaccounted for, the immediate focus is on emergency response efforts and restoring essential services. The deployment of military personnel and the announcement of financial assistance reflects the seriousness of the situation and the need for a coordinated response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com