As Hurricane Helene inflicted significant devastation across the U.S., President Joe Biden plans to visit the severely hit regions this week.
At the heart of administrative efforts, President Joe Biden is gearing up for an onsite assessment of the damage caused by Hurricane Helene, Daily Mail reported.
President Biden, who was spending time at his Rehoboth Beach home when the hurricane struck, maintained command through extensive phone communications. He conducted two-hour sessions on the phone for two consecutive days, ensuring his involvement in the crisis management process.
Amid inquiries about his physical absence at the White House during the crisis, Biden clarified his position, stating, “I was commanding, I was on the phone for at least two hours yesterday, and the day before, as well. I commanded it's called a telephone.” His proactive engagement from a distance was aimed at overseeing the federal response to the catastrophic event.
Biden communicated his intentions to visit the affected states to North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, stressing the timing would coincide with the clearance of rescue and recovery operations in the area to avoid any disruption.
The President underscored the seriousness of the situation and the ongoing federal efforts by stating, “We're not leaving until the job is done,” showcasing a committed stance on completing the rehabilitation efforts.
Vice President Kamala Harris, originally booked for campaign events, canceled her schedule to oversee Hurricane Helene relief strategies in Washington, D.C. She plans to receive detailed briefings and to tour the devastated regions once conditions permit.
Hurricane Helene's path of destruction spread from Florida’s Gulf Coast up to the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia, leaving at least 121 people dead and over 600 missing. Efforts to manage the aftermath have required a coordinated response involving local, state, and federal resources.
During the peak of the hurricane, utility companies cut off electrical power for approximately 2.7 million customers, while emergency agencies and the Energy Department reported significant progress in restoration efforts. However, over 460,000 people remained without power even as relief measures continued to intensify.
The extensive damage to infrastructure, including vital roadways like sections of I-64, has complicated the delivery of aid and delayed damage assessments. Authorities forced more than 1,000 individuals into shelters across 24 different facilities to escape the havoc wreaked by Helene.
Search and rescue missions, which saw teams from 19 different states convene in North Carolina, have been pivotal in addressing the immediate safety concerns following the storm's passage.
As discussions around recovery and financial implications continue, estimated costs for the damage range dramatically from $15 billion to potentially exceeding $100 billion. This has set the stage for a prolonged recovery period which will demand sustained attention and resources.
Amidst ongoing recovery efforts, former President Donald Trump also announced plans to visit Georgia, aiming to support the response efforts. When questioned about the potential impact of Trump’s visit, President Biden expressed neutrality, stating, “I don't have any idea,” reflecting a focus on the broader recovery rather than political implications.
The broad impact and severe human cost of Hurricane Helene have galvanized a comprehensive federal response. With leadership conducting operations from various locales, the focus remains on efficient management and relief delivery to address the immediate needs and begin the long process of rebuilding.
As the nation watches, the affected region anticipates President Biden’s promised visit, hoping it brings renewed attention and accelerated aid to those urgently in need.
