Biden and Harris Survey Damage in Southeast Following Hurricane Helene

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris visited the Southeast on Wednesday to assess the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Helene, which has claimed the lives of at least 182 individuals. The president emphasized the urgency of recovery efforts, stating, "We have to jump start this recovery process. People are scared to death. This is urgent."

Biden's trip took him to North Carolina, a crucial battleground state for the upcoming presidential election, where he conducted an aerial survey of Asheville, one of the hardest-hit areas. Speaking at the Raleigh Emergency Operations Center, he described the hurricane as one of "historic proportions." "I'm here to say the United States has your back," he assured the affected residents.

Prior to his departure, Biden ordered the deployment of up to 1,000 active-duty troops to assist the North Carolina National Guard in their hurricane response efforts. "These soldiers will speed up the delivery of life-saving supplies—food, water, and medicine—to isolated communities in North Carolina," Biden stated.

Biden is set to continue his tour by visiting impacted areas in Georgia and Florida, while Harris focused her attention on Georgia, receiving briefings from local officials in Augusta. "I'm here to thank you and to listen," she said, acknowledging the local efforts to coordinate resources effectively.

Harris described the storm's aftermath as "devastating," expressing sympathy for residents who have lost loved ones and are facing critical shortages. She announced that FEMA personnel are conducting door-to-door visits to ensure immediate needs are met and emphasized the federal government’s commitment to providing 100% reimbursement of local costs. "We're going to be there for the long haul," she asserted.

As recovery efforts continue, the number of people unaccounted for remains significant, with over 150,000 households already registered for FEMA assistance. In response to the growing need, nearly 2 million ready-to-eat meals and over a million liters of water have been distributed to the hardest-hit regions.

Former President Donald Trump recently visited Valdosta, Georgia, to witness the storm's destruction and criticized Biden and Harris for their response, alleging they were nonresponsive. "In a time like this, when a crisis hits, none of that matters. We need a lot of help," Trump stated.

Biden countered the accusations during a press briefing, expressing frustration over Trump's remarks. "He's lying," he declared, stressing the administration's commitment to assisting those in need. "Our job is to help as many people as we can, as quickly as we can, and as thoroughly as we can."

As the nation rallies around the affected communities, it’s crucial for everyone to stay informed and support recovery efforts. For updates, follow @dark_web24.