President Joe Biden has announced plans to visit areas impacted by Hurricane Helene this week, pending that it does not disrupt ongoing rescue and recovery efforts. The devastating storm has caused widespread destruction across the Southeast, with Biden describing the impact as 'stunning' during a briefing on Sunday evening.
Reports from North Carolina indicate that the storm has claimed the lives of at least 84 individuals across multiple states, with one county reporting 30 fatalities. In response to the crisis, the Biden administration is mobilizing all available resources to assist affected states in their response efforts.
The White House has directed FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell to expedite support to isolated communities struggling to access assistance. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has announced plans to visit Valdosta, Georgia, to assess the storm's impact on the state, a crucial battleground in the upcoming presidential election.
Trump's visit is expected to involve a briefing on the situation, the distribution of relief supplies, and the delivery of remarks. Both current and former administrations are actively engaged in providing aid and support to those affected by Hurricane Helene.