US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris visited South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia to assess the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene, which has killed at least 160 people, Reuters reports.
Biden toured the devastated areas by helicopter, particularly observing the extensive damage in North Carolina, where entire homes were destroyed. Meanwhile, Harris was briefed in Georgia and is set to visit North Carolina soon. Biden directed the deployment of up to 1,000 active-duty troops and nearly 6,000 National Guard members to assist with recovery efforts across the six affected states. FEMA mobilized over 4,800 federal personnel to distribute millions of meals and emergency supplies.
The hurricane comes just weeks before the November 5 election, with North Carolina and Georgia seen as key battleground states. Biden declared major disasters in affected states to facilitate federal assistance and may seek additional funding from Congress for recovery efforts.
