WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden assured residents of the Southeast on Monday that the federal government will support recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. He indicated plans to request emergency funding from Congress in the near future.
“I’m here to tell every single survivor in these impacted areas that we will be there with you as long as it takes,” Biden declared in a brief statement from the Roosevelt Room in the White House.
Biden mentioned his intention to visit North Carolina later this week, highlighting that his presence would not hinder ongoing recovery efforts.
“I’m committed to traveling to impacted areas as soon as possible, but I’ve been told that it would be disruptive if I did it right now,” Biden stated. “We will not do that at the risk of diverting or delaying any of the response assets needed to deal with this crisis.”
While the exact amount of financial aid required is still unknown, Biden has not ruled out the possibility of asking Congress to return to Washington, D.C., before their election recess ends on Nov. 12. Emergency declarations have been issued, enabling disaster assistance for the affected states.
Hurricane Helene, which made landfall in Florida last week, is on track to become one of the deadliest hurricanes in U.S. history. The Associated Press reported that the death toll has risen to at least 107, with 30 deaths in the North Carolina county that includes Asheville.
The hurricane has severely impacted residents in Georgia, South Carolina, western North Carolina, and eastern Tennessee, causing extensive flooding and wind damage.
Numerous communities are left without clean drinking water, power, or access to grocery stores and cell phone service. Roads and bridges have been washed out, trapping residents without essential supplies.
The destruction of homes and vehicles further complicates disaster recovery, especially in rural areas where people live far from towns.
Senators appeal for help
North Carolina Republican Sen. Thom Tillis emphasized the urgent need for assistance, stating on social media, “Entire communities in Western North Carolina have no power, no cell service, and remain in severe danger from flooding.” He added, “First responders (are) doing the best they can with what they have, but the devastation is incomprehensible. WNC needs all the help it can get and it needs it now.”
North Carolina Republican Sen. Ted Budd described the damage as catastrophic in a written statement following discussions with FEMA and other agencies. “There is no doubt that the road to recovery will be long and difficult, but we will marshal all available resources to assist the region, including public, private, and charitable. We are all in this together,” Budd wrote.
Georgia Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff released a statement Sunday after surveying storm damage and speaking with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. Ossoff stressed the importance of informing Georgians about the available recovery resources and programs once damage assessments are completed.
Florida Republican Rep. Kat Cammack discussed the extensive agricultural damage on C-SPAN on Monday. “The agricultural damage there is tremendous,” Cammack said. “They saw winds of nearly 100 miles an hour. And so we’re looking at catastrophic losses inland as well as on the coast. It’s really devastating.”
This story was originally published by the Iowa Capital Dispatch
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