The federal government has initiated a comprehensive response effort in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which severely impacted four states. A recent update from a Biden administration official revealed that FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is currently stationed in North Carolina under President Joe Biden's directive. Criswell will remain in the state until the situation stabilizes. Presently, over 1,200 personnel from FEMA and other agencies are actively engaged in North Carolina, with additional reinforcements en route. Furthermore, there are 10 search and rescue teams already operational in North Carolina, and nine more are scheduled to arrive on Tuesday.
Responding to the urgent need for supplies in Asheville, a massive C-17 cargo plane carrying food, water, and emergency provisions landed at an operating base on Tuesday. This delivery was particularly crucial as residents in Asheville were facing challenges in accessing emergency supplies due to washed-out highways. The federal government also dispatched 25 trailer-loads of meals and 60 trailer-loads of water to North Carolina, with a commitment to continue the daily flow of essential supplies.
President Biden has approved a major disaster declaration for Georgia, prompting FEMA to distribute hundreds of thousands of meals to affected areas in the state. Additionally, FEMA teams are actively present in impacted communities in Florida and South Carolina. These teams are assisting disaster survivors in applying for necessary aid and conducting assessments of the damage incurred.
