US President Biden faced tough questions regarding his response to Hurricane Helene during a press conference on Monday, as he assured the public of the federal government‘s commitment to aiding the storm’s victims, according to Fox News.
Biden vowed to visit the hardest-hit areas but argued that now is not the right time for such a trip, stating that it could disrupt ongoing relief efforts.”I want them to know we’re not leaving until the job is done,” he said, addressing the emotional toll on families still awaiting news of their loved ones amid the chaos caused by the storm.
During the press conference, Biden was frequently interrupted by coughs, and as he concluded his remarks, he faced a pointed inquiry from a reporter regarding his command over the hurricane response while he spent the weekend at his beach home in Delaware. “And the hurricane. Mr. President, why weren’t you and Vice President Harris here in Washington commanding this this weekend?” the reporter asked. Biden responded defensively, “I was commanding it. I was on the phone for at least two hours yesterday and the day before as well. I command it. It’s called a telephone and all my security people.”
Biden began his remarks by assuring the public that he and his team were in “constant contact with governors, mayors and local leaders” concerning the hurricane’s impact. He recognised reports of over 100 fatalities and about 600 individuals still unaccounted for due to the storm. “There’s nothing like wondering if my husband, wife, son, daughter, mother, father alive,” he said, expressing empathy for those affected.
Biden talked about the federal resources being deployed, including assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Communications Commission, the National Guard, and the Army Corps of Engineers. More than 3,600 personnel have been mobilised thus far, and emergency declarations have been approved for several states, including Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Before concluding, Biden urged residents in the affected areas to pay attention to emergency warnings. “Take this seriously. Please be safe. Your nation has your back, and the Biden-Harris administration will be there until the job is done,” he said. He also acknowledged three members of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department who were injured in a car accident while en route to assist in North Carolina, praying for their full recovery.