US President Joe Biden traveled to the Carolinas on Wednesday for an aerial tour of the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Helene, as well as a briefing on the ground on recovery efforts.
Vice President Kamala Harris also made a trip to Georgia, meeting with local officials and first responders in Augusta.
“I’m here to say the United States – the nation – has your back,” Biden said at an emergency command center in Raleigh alongside North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper. “We’re not leaving until you’re back on your feet completely.”
Earlier Wednesday, Biden had approved the deployment of up to 1,000 active-duty U.S. soldiers to reinforce North Carolina National Guard members assisting recovery efforts in the state.
The death toll has now risen to 181 as of 10 p.m. ET Wednesday, based on state and local reports.
“My heart goes out to everyone who has experienced the unthinkable loss. “But we’re here for you,” added Biden.
Biden first headed to Greenville, South Carolina, where utility crews and city public work teams were trying to clear roadways and resolve electricity issue. He went on an aerial tour of the affected region to get a sense of the seismic devastation from above without interfering with recovery efforts.
The president and his team flew over Asheville, North Carolina, where some of the worst of the damage is.
