Debris is strewn on the lake in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024, in Lake Lure, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
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The Biden administration continues to ramp up its lifesaving response efforts to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. President Joe Biden announced the deployment of 1,000 active-duty troops to assist with recovery. With more than 160 lives lost across six states, the administration has prioritized getting resources to isolated communities.
The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has shipped over 8.5 million meals and 7 million liters of water. FEMA assistance in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia includes a one-time $750 payment to help with essentials, and residents can also register for disaster assistance. Additionally, the Department of Defense has activated helicopters and National Guard personnel to assist with search and rescue.
Homes and vehicles that were damaged in a flash flood from Hurricane Helene lie on the side of a road near the Swannanoa River, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in Swannanoa, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)An American flag sits in floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in the Shore Acres neighborhood Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson)A damaged 100-year-old home is seen after an Oak tree landed on it after Hurricane Helene moved through the area, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)Debris is seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, in Asheville, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)Debris on a farm property is destroyed in Canisteo, N.Y., Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, after remnants of Tropical Storm Debby swept through the area. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)This satellite image provided by NOAA shows Hurricane Helene advancing across the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. (NOAA via AP)
Today, Biden surveyed the damage in North and South Carolina while Vice President Kamala Harris traveled to Georgia. Both leaders are focusing on ensuring aid reaches all affected communities with special emphasis on historically underserved areas.
White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris is a native Washingtonian and University of South Carolina alumna. Her passion is mentoring young adults by teaching community empowerment and media education. She is an NAB member and board member of the Thurgood Marshall Center and was presented the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for contributing more than 4,000 hours of community service under the Obama Administration.
