President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday that 1,000 active-duty troops will be immediately deployed to assist with response and recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
The troops will support the delivery of food, water, and other critical commodities to communities impacted by the hurricane, the White House said.
“The Administration is prioritizing life-saving and life-sustaining response efforts in impacted communities, as well as ensuring people displaced from the storm have prompt access to Federal resources that will enable them to both purchase essential items and begin their road to recovery and rebuilding,” according to a White House statement.
Biden landed in Greenville, South Carolina, on Wednesday. There, he received updates from first responders before going on an aerial tour of impacted communities. The president is also expected to visit Raleigh, North Carolina, to meet with first responders and survey damaged areas.
Helene made landfall on Sept. 26 in Florida as a Category 4 hurricane.
The death toll from Helene continues to climb, with at least 178 people confirmed dead in six states—Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Harris Visits Georgia
On a separate trip from Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris visited Augusta, near the South Carolina border, on Wednesday to provide updates on federal efforts to support the state.
Harris reassured residents that the federal government is providing direct assistance to those impacted by Helene.
The vice president said that FEMA is offering $750 for people who need immediate assistance with things such as food and baby formula.
FEMA is also providing tens of thousands more dollars to help residents with home repair to cover a deductible if they have insurance and to also help cover hotel costs.
“Today I’m also announcing that the President has approved the governor’s request for 100% federal reimbursement of local costs,” Harris said. According to the vice president, this will help cover emergency services and debris costs.
On Monday, the vice president cut her campaign events short on the West Coast to fly back to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) headquarters for a briefing on the impacts of Helene and to receive updates on the federal response.
Harris thanked first responders, state and local officials, and federal personnel who are “working around the clock” in the wake of Helene.
“Thank you for all you do to provide resources and support to those impacted. You represent the best of our nation,” Harris said.
Trump Launches GoFundMe for Helene Victims
On Monday, former President Donald Trump visited Valdosta, Georgia, to survey the damage and meet with first responders.
A GoFundMe campaign launched by Trump to help victims recover from the hurricane has surpassed more than $4 million as of Wednesday.
“With so many across the Southeastern U.S. facing challenges after the storm, President Trump is on the ground in communities to see the aftermath firsthand,” the fundraising page states. “All donations will be directed to help those most affected by Hurricane Helene. Any level of generosity will go a long way for your fellow Americans who are suffering.”
Meanwhile, many roads remain closed amid catastrophic damage and flooding, and millions of residents are still without power in the aftermath of Helene.