President Joe Biden announced plans to visit areas impacted by Hurricane Helene this week if it does not interfere with rescue and recovery efforts.
As per the news agency AP, Biden received a briefing on Sunday evening about the storm’s impact on the Southeast and described it as “stunning”, while interacting with reporters. He also emphasised that the administration is providing states with “everything we have” to assist in their response.
Biden spoke with local and state officials from affected areas, including Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Valdosta Mayor Scott Matheson, and Taylor County Emergency Management Director John Louk.He assured them that the administration “will continue providing support to impacted communities – for as long as it takes,” according to the White House.
A North Carolina county, including Asheville, reported 30 deaths due to the storm, bringing the total death toll across several states to at least 84.
Biden spent much of the weekend in Delaware but has been receiving regular updates on the storm from FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and other officials. Biden instructed Criswell to identify ways to speed up assistance to isolated communities struggling to access help.
Former President Donald Trump‘s campaign announced that Trump would visit Valdosta, Georgia, on Monday to assess the hurricane’s impact on the state. Trump’s visit will include a briefing, distribution of relief supplies and remarks.