Alexander Sammon
Updated on: October 16, 2024 5:16 pm GMT
Hurricane Helene left a path of destruction across Florida and Georgia, claiming over 200 lives and leaving families devastated. As the recovery efforts continue, President Joe Biden visited both states to support the victims and urge unity amidst political divides.
Biden’s Visit to Storm-Ravaged Areas
On Thursday, Biden stopped in Perry, Florida, and Ray City, Georgia, to see the damage firsthand. “Our job is to help as many people as we can,” he stated. During his visit, he emphasized the need to move beyond “rabid partisanship”, expressing hope for bipartisan cooperation in recovery efforts.
Aerial Tour of Affected Regions
Earlier in the week, Biden conducted an aerial survey of the Big Bend region in Florida aboard Marine One. He witnessed the flooded coastline and destruction brought by the Category 4 hurricane that struck in late September. Accompanied by Republican Senator Rick Scott, Biden also toured Keaton Beach, where he met individuals directly impacted by the storm.
Local Reactions and Criticism
Although many welcomed his efforts, mixed reactions emerged during the visit. A man was seen gesturing negatively as Biden’s motorcade passed by. These reactions highlight the tension surrounding the federal response to disasters, especially as the nation approaches the 2024 presidential election.
Political Context
- Biden’s administration is under scrutiny for its response to Hurricane Helene.
- Critics have pointed out the speed and effectiveness of disaster relief efforts could impact voting in battleground states.
- Neither Florida Governor Ron DeSantis nor Georgia Governor Brian Kemp joined Biden on his visits, despite his invitation.
Response and Recovery Challenges
As of now, the confirmed death toll from Hurricane Helene includes:
- 97 in North Carolina
- 41 in South Carolina
- 33 in Georgia
- 19 in Florida
- 11 in Tennessee
- 2 in Virginia
The ongoing search and rescue operations could lead to additional casualties as authorities continue to assess the full impact of the storm.
Previous and Upcoming Visits
Just a day prior, Biden surveyed the damage in South Carolina and parts of western North Carolina, where flooding inflicted severe hardship. Vice President Kamala Harris visited Augusta, Georgia to highlight ongoing recovery efforts. She also plans to travel to North Carolina soon, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to supporting affected areas.
The Bigger Picture in the Political Landscape
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene serves not only as a test of disaster response but also as a pivotal moment for political figures as they gear up for the upcoming election. Biden’s appeals for unity and collaborative recovery efforts are increasingly crucial in such a divided environment.
Biden concluded his visit with a message of resilience. “This can all be rebuilt,” he assured families affected by the storm. As the nation watches, the effectiveness of the response to Hurricane Helene will likely influence public perception ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
You can find detailed news and updates about what happened after Hurricane Helene by checking out USA TODAY.
