Special Poll
Vice President Kamala Harris visited North Carolina on Saturday to meet with local officials and review the response efforts following Hurricane Helene, which devastated the state with severe flooding and claimed the lives of dozens.
During her visit, Harris met with Governor Roy Cooper, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer, and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Stein. In a briefing, she highlighted the coordinated efforts across federal, state, and local levels, praising the effective collaboration in response to the crisis.
Harris announced that Mecklenburg County, one of the hardest-hit areas, was added to a major disaster declaration, unlocking federal resources to help residents with essential needs such as home repairs and purchasing generators. She commended local communities for their resilience and mutual support, emphasizing that times of crisis often showcase the best of humanity.
Governor Cooper reported that the storm caused the deaths of at least 68 people in North Carolina, with the broader death toll across affected states exceeding 200. Earlier in the week, Harris visited Georgia, while President Biden has been to all four states impacted by the hurricane.
FEMA has provided over $26 million in assistance to North Carolina, distributing millions of meals and liters of water. President Biden has also ordered up to 1,000 active-duty troops to assist in relief efforts, and the White House has urged Congress to approve additional disaster relief funds amidst ongoing challenges this hurricane season.
Additionally, the administration has dismissed misinformation from some political figures, including former President Trump, claiming that FEMA resources had been depleted due to aid provided to migrants. Biden stressed the need for continued support to ensure disaster relief funds are not exhausted as hurricane season continues.