Biden and Harris Assess Hurricane Helene’s Damage in Southeastern U.S.
President Biden and Vice President Harris will assess the damage in the southeastern U.S. after Hurricane Helene, which has left over a million without power and claimed at least 155 lives. The storm’s devastation presents an urgent challenge for recovery as the administration prepares for the upcoming elections in key battleground states.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are set to visit South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Helene, which has left over one million residents without power and claimed at least 155 lives. This powerful Category 4 storm made landfall on September 26, resulting in some of the most severe flooding the region has witnessed in generations, alongside notable damages across Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia. As Biden and Harris prepare to assess the extent of the damage on Wednesday, the search continues for hundreds of missing individuals, emphasizing the urgent need for recovery efforts. The North Carolina State Climate Office has noted that the flooding experienced in western North Carolina approached a worst-case scenario. United States Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has indicated that recovery will be a long-term, multibillion-dollar initiative. President Biden’s itinerary includes a visit to Greenville, South Carolina, followed by Raleigh, North Carolina, and an aerial survey over Asheville, where Hurricane Helene caused significant destruction. “We have to jump-start this recovery process,” stated Biden, who has declared disasters for the impacted states and committed to delivering all available resources to these communities. “People are scared to death. This is urgent,” he added. In addition, Vice President Harris is scheduled to travel to Georgia on Wednesday and will subsequently visit North Carolina in the days to come. The administration’s handling of the crisis comes at a crucial time, as the November US elections approach. North Carolina and Georgia are considered key battleground states, currently showing very close margins in polling, with Republican contender Donald Trump maintaining a slight lead. Trump has previously visited Georgia and criticized the administration’s responses, accusing President Biden of inaction and Vice President Harris of choreographing her appearance during emergency meetings. In response, President Biden has denied these claims, emphasizing his prioritization of support for the affected communities over political appearances. “My top priority is to ensure the communities devastated by this hurricane get the help and support they need as quickly as possible,” President Biden informed reporters on Tuesday.
Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 hurricane, struck the southeastern United States on September 26, causing extensive damage primarily across the Carolinas and Georgia, and affecting neighboring states such as Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia. The storm has resulted in severe flooding and a tragic loss of life, marking it as one of the most consequential natural disasters in the region’s recent history. In the aftermath, governmental responses are critical, particularly as the nation approaches an election cycle where disaster response could influence voter sentiment in pivotal states.
In summary, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are visiting the hard-hit regions of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia following Hurricane Helene’s devastating aftermath. Their presence aims to support recovery efforts, as the crisis not only entails the loss of lives and homes but also poses a significant trial for the administration in the lead-up to the crucial November elections. With hundreds still missing and over a million without power, the focus remains on mobilizing resources and assistance for those affected.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
