Greer, S.C. – President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris embarked on separate tours Wednesday to witness the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, which has claimed the lives of at least 175 people. Biden visited North Carolina and South Carolina, with the storm also leaving a trail of destruction as far north as Tennessee and Virginia. He is scheduled to visit Georgia and Florida on Thursday to assess the impact of the hurricane.
Meanwhile, Harris traveled to Georgia, where former President Donald Trump criticized the Biden administration for its response to the hurricane during his visit earlier in the week. In Augusta, near the South Carolina border, Harris surveyed the damage caused by the storm, provided updates on federal support efforts, distributed food, and interacted with residents. A White House official mentioned that Harris will also visit North Carolina in the upcoming days.
During his visit to Greenville, S.C., Biden embarked on an aerial tour of the affected areas in North Carolina, including Asheville, Swannanoa, Black Mountain, Chimney Rock, and Lake Lure. The destruction caused by the storm was evident from the air, with flattened buildings, fallen trees, and submerged homes. The president also plans to receive briefings at an emergency operations center and address the severe damage experienced in western North Carolina, where residents have been grappling with water and power outages, as well as disrupted communication networks.
Biden announced the deployment of 1,000 active-duty troops from the Department of Defense to assist in the distribution of essential supplies, such as food and water. The federal government has been actively involved in helping states clear roads, remove debris, restore power, conduct search-and-rescue operations, and reinstate communication networks. Biden emphasized during a virtual meeting with North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell that the administration is committed to staying until the recovery process is complete.
Harris, while visiting Augusta, expressed gratitude to first responders and volunteers at the city’s emergency operations center. She acknowledged the challenges faced by residents, with many still without power and access to running water following the hurricane. The vice president highlighted the emotional toll of the disaster, emphasizing the importance of federal reimbursement for local costs to aid in the recovery efforts.
Addressing Trump’s unfounded claims of negligence, Biden reaffirmed the government’s proactive measures in preparing for the hurricane’s impact. He emphasized FEMA’s readiness by pre-positioning necessary resources ahead of the storm, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to support affected communities. The administration remains focused on providing assistance, restoring normalcy, and ensuring the well-being of those affected by Hurricane Helene.