**Biden-Harris Administration Mobilizes Extensive Federal Response Post-Hurricane Helene**

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the Biden-Harris Administration is executing a comprehensive federal response to aid affected communities across North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. Working tirelessly, the Administration is marshaling every available resource to support life-saving operations. President Biden and Vice President Harris are receiving frequent briefings and are in constant communication with both state and local officials to ensure that necessary support and resources are directed to those in need.

President Biden has personally spoken with North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, and Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer, amongst other key leaders in the affected regions, to offer any additional assistance required. This afternoon, Governor Cooper, along with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, briefed President Biden from the field, following their surveys of the damage in North Carolina. Vice President Harris also received an in-person briefing at FEMA headquarters and has been coordinating with Governor Cooper, Governor Kemp, Greenville Mayor Knox White, and Savannah Mayor Van Johnson.

Administrator Criswell has been tasked by President Biden to stay on the ground in Asheville, North Carolina, to oversee response efforts until the situation stabilizes. Additionally, President Biden will travel to North Carolina on Wednesday and plans visits to Georgia and Florida as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the Federal government is monitoring a potential weather disturbance in the Caribbean Sea that may pose a new threat to the Gulf Coast.

The response to Hurricane Helene has seen over 3,500 federal personnel deployed across the impacted states, including more than 1,250 Urban Search and Rescue team members spread across Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. These teams, working alongside state and local responders, have rescued or supported over 1,900 individuals, with nearly 900 rescues taking place in North Carolina alone. The Department of Defense has positioned 30 high-water trucks and 18 helicopters to assist with search, rescue, and supply transport missions.

A Major Disaster declaration was granted for South Carolina yesterday by President Biden, following earlier declarations for Florida and North Carolina. This designation opens access to critical funds and resources for survivors to initiate recovery. FEMA is providing numerous forms of financial assistance, including a one-time $750 payment for essential supplies and further aid for repairing homes and replacing personal property.

Efforts to restore power are ongoing, with approximately 50,000 personnel from 34 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada actively working to address outages. Progress is evident as power is being restored; the number of affected customers has decreased from a peak of 4.6 million to 2.1 million as of this morning. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is also facilitating power restoration by deploying generators and other assets as floodwaters recede and debris is cleared.

Federal support remains robust, as additional resources and personnel continue to arrive in the region to support the ongoing recovery and response operations. The Administration is dedicated to ensuring that all impacted communities receive the help they need to rebuild and recover.