Biden and Harris Tour Hurricane Helene's Devastation in the Carolinas and Georgia

By Rebecca Shabad, Tara Prindiville, Nnamdi Egwuonwu, and Megan Lebowitz

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which has claimed the lives of at least 183 people, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris embarked on separate tours to assess the extensive damage caused by the storm across the southeastern United States. Their visits come as communities grapple with the storm’s aftermath, which has left many without access to basic resources like electricity, water, and communications.

Biden’s Visit to North and South Carolina

President Biden began his tour in Greenville, South Carolina, before conducting an aerial survey of storm-affected regions in neighboring North Carolina. Towns such as Asheville, Swannanoa, Black Mountain, Chimney Rock, and Lake Lure were among the areas hit hardest by the hurricane. From the air, the scale of the devastation was stark—buildings flattened, trees uprooted, and homes submerged under floodwaters.

Speaking at a state emergency operations center in North Carolina, Biden announced the deployment of 1,000 active-duty troops to assist in the distribution of critical supplies, including food and water. The President emphasized the need for swift action, stating, "We are going to be here until we finish the job. This is going to take a long time, but we are committed to seeing it through."

Biden also addressed the broader impacts of climate change, taking aim at climate change deniers. "Nobody can deny the impact of the climate crisis anymore. At least I hope they don't," Biden said. "They must be brain-dead if they do."

Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina praised federal efforts, highlighting the government's role in providing helicopters for search-and-rescue missions and medical aid. Biden also approved a request for federal reimbursement of 100% of debris removal and emergency protective measures for six months, alleviating some of the financial burdens on the state.

Harris in Georgia

Vice President Harris, meanwhile, traveled to Augusta, Georgia, a city located near the South Carolina border. During her visit, she met with first responders and volunteers, thanking them for their tireless efforts. "You all are doing God’s work right now," she said at an emergency operations center. Harris also personally surveyed the damage and provided updates on federal relief efforts.

"The devastation is extraordinary," Harris told reporters, noting that over 60% of Augusta’s residents were without power and had been cut off from essential services like running water. She reiterated the federal government's commitment to fully reimbursing the state for emergency expenses, echoing the steps taken in North Carolina.

The Vice President also highlighted the human toll of the disaster, sharing a story about a local resident who was unable to go to work or send her child to school due to a massive tree blocking her driveway. "This is what recovery looks like," Harris said, emphasizing the importance of federal aid in helping communities return to normal.

Political Reactions

While the Biden administration has been actively coordinating relief efforts, the response to the hurricane has also ignited political tensions. Former President Donald Trump, who toured parts of Georgia earlier in the week, criticized the Biden administration, falsely claiming that they were neglecting rural Republican voters. During his visit to Valdosta, Georgia, Trump accused Biden of ignoring calls from Governor Brian Kemp and deliberately avoiding assistance to certain areas.

In response, Biden dismissed Trump’s comments, calling them outright lies. "He is lying," Biden said. "The governor himself told him he was lying." Biden also underscored the extensive preparations made before the storm, explaining that FEMA had pre-positioned resources in states like Florida and Tennessee to ensure a rapid response.

As federal, state, and local officials continue to work together on the recovery, both Biden and Harris have pledged to remain fully engaged in the long-term rebuilding efforts. The focus, according to Biden, is clear: "There are no Democrats, Republicans, only Americans. And our job is to help as many people as we can, as quickly as we can."

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