President Biden has approved the mobilization of an additional 500 active-duty troops to North Carolina in order to aid in the recovery efforts following the devastating Hurricane Helene. This brings the total number of troops assisting in the area to 1,500, alongside over 6,100 National Guardsmen and more than 7,000 Federal personnel. The White House released a statement on Sunday affirming the administration’s commitment to mobilizing all relevant resources to support families as they begin the process of rebuilding.
In an effort to provide immediate assistance, President Biden previously announced that the federal government would cover 100% of costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures in North Carolina for a period of six months. Furthermore, the administration has allocated over $137 million in federal funds, including $100 million in transportation funds specifically designated for North Carolina to begin repairing damaged roads and bridges.
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left more than 800 individuals without homes, who are currently being accommodated in lodging provided through FEMA. Additionally, 22 shelters are still in operation, housing nearly 1,000 people, while mobile feeding operations continue to provide sustenance to survivors in need.
President Biden expressed his commitment to supporting families on their path to recovery, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with local and state leaders regardless of political affiliations. North Carolina Senator Thom Tills echoed the call for additional resources to aid in the relief effort, likening the scale of the damage to Hurricane Katrina’s impact on Louisiana in 2005.
Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic effects spanned from Florida into the Appalachian mountains, claiming the lives of over 225 individuals across multiple states. North Carolina alone reported 114 fatalities in the wake of the storm. The White House also confirmed that President Biden has been briefed on Hurricane Milton, which is projected to make landfall in Florida’s Tampa Bay area as a major storm later in the week.
Deanne Criswell, the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), condemned the dissemination of false claims and conspiracy theories regarding the federal response to Hurricane Helene. Criswell emphasized the demoralizing impact of such misinformation on aid workers and reiterated the agency’s unwavering commitment to providing assistance to those in need.
Amidst the spread of misinformation, particularly fueled by Republican figures including former President Donald Trump, FEMA has faced unwarranted criticism regarding its allocation of resources. False assertions, such as the intentional withholding of aid to certain regions or the diversion of funds to support undocumented immigrants, have been debunked by officials on the ground.
Senator Thom Tills refuted claims of resource misallocation, affirming that the focus remains on rescue, recovery, and clearing operations in affected areas. Tills emphasized the need to prioritize the well-being of first responders and individuals striving to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the storm.
President Biden reiterated his administration’s commitment to working collaboratively with local and state leaders, emphasizing a non-partisan approach to the recovery efforts. As North Carolina and other affected regions continue to grapple with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the mobilization of resources and support remains paramount in facilitating a swift and comprehensive recovery process.
