President Biden directed the Defense Department to deploy up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers on Wednesday to assist disaster areas affected by Hurricane Helene. These troops will help with the distribution of essential supplies like food, water, and medicine in the hardest-hit regions.
According to the White House, troops will be deployed starting Wednesday, with a primary focus on North Carolina. The deployment is intended to accelerate the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) ability to reach isolated communities more efficiently.
“These soldiers will speed up the delivery of life-saving supplies to isolated communities in North Carolina,” Biden said in a statement. “They have the manpower and logistical capabilities to get this vital job done, and fast. They will join hundreds of North Carolina National Guard members already deployed in support of the response.”
Biden called Hurricane Helene a “storm of historic proportion,” offering his condolences to those who have experienced devastating losses. “We are here for you — and we will stay here for as long as it takes,” he added.
The announcement coincides with Biden’s planned visit to North and South Carolina to tour storm-damaged areas and meet with local officials. Vice President Kamala Harris is set to visit Georgia on Wednesday to assess the hurricane’s impact there.
“I’ve ensured my travel will not disrupt the ongoing response,” Biden wrote on X. “I plan to travel to Georgia and Florida as soon as possible.”
Hurricane Helene Leaves Trail Of Destruction In North Carolina
Hurricane Helene devastated Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, leaving millions without power and destroying homes. The storm has claimed at least 166 lives, with hundreds still missing.
Western North Carolina has been particularly hard hit, with infrastructure failures cutting off roads and disrupting power and communications. Residents are struggling to access basic necessities like clean water and being able to contact loved ones.
Read: Beyond Asheville: Widespread Devastation in Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene
Relief efforts are underway, with government and aid organizations attempting to reach isolated communities through various means.
President Biden is scheduled to visit North Carolina on Wednesday to assess the damage and coordinate federal response efforts.
The full extent of the devastation is still being assessed, but accounts from residents paint a grim picture. In Black Mountain, a village near Asheville, Alyssa Hudson reported seeing bodies in trees and under rubble, with homes destroyed and belongings scattered for miles.
In Chimney Rock, local businesses that rely on tourism have been washed away into Lake Lure. Ed Broyhill, a GOP national committee member and local homeowner, described the scene as “the saddest thing in the world.”
How You Can Help:
- Donate to reputable organizations: Consider donating to organizations like the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, or local charities actively involved in relief efforts.
- Volunteer your time: If you’re in the affected area, consider volunteering your time to help with cleanup and recovery efforts.
- Spread awareness: Share information about the situation on social media and encourage others to donate or volunteer.
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