### President Biden Surveys Hurricane Helene's Devastation; Reinforcements and Aid Continue

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - On Wednesday, President Joe Biden conducted an aerial survey of the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Helene, while communities across the Southeast struggled with the immense task of rebuilding. Along with this visit, Biden authorized the dispatch of up to 1,000 active-duty U.S. soldiers to bolster the recovery efforts already being supported by the North Carolina National Guard.

Tragically, the hurricane has claimed at least 162 lives across the Southeast. Buncombe County, including Asheville, confirmed 57 fatalities. On the ground in North Carolina, Governor Roy Cooper engaged with residents, visited a hospital, and participated in distributing free meals. "The people of western North Carolina are inspiring in the toughest of times," stated Cooper. "We're going to have their back."

The path to recovery remains challenging, with potable water supplies potentially weeks away and significant power outages affecting nearly 900,000 homes and businesses in the Carolinas and surrounding states. Duke Energy reported that ongoing efforts had restored service to over 1.6 million customers, yet substantial areas still remain in the dark.

Hurricane Helene initially made landfall in Florida's Big Bend as a Category 4 storm last Thursday, unleashing destructive winds and relentless rains that led to severe flooding. The floods particularly devastated infrastructure, submerging entire substations, collapsing roads, and tearing apart homes and businesses. "We had entire substations underwater," commented Duke Energy spokesman Bill Norton.

Additionally, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is looking into an incident at Impact Plastics in Erwin, where several workers were reportedly swept away by floodwaters. Allegations have surfaced that management did not allow workers to leave during the flooding; the company has denied these claims. A tragic outcome has already been reported, with two women dead and at least three people missing according to an immigrant advocacy group.

On the logistical front, the North Carolina Air National Guard has delivered over 100,000 pounds of essential supplies, and over 760 guard soldiers and airmen are aiding in various relief efforts. This coordinated effort with the Federal Emergency Management Agency highlights the scale and urgency of the relief operations.

While the focus remains on recovery, concerns persist. The hurricane season is far from over, and with past experiences showing that even weak tropical disturbances can cause significant damage, future storms remain a threat. Experts also emphasize that the danger from rainfall and flooding can often be more lethal than winds.

In the aftermath, numerous stories of heroism and community efforts have come to light. People are going great lengths to help each other, showcasing remarkable resolve and compassion despite the overwhelming grief and loss. Instances like a son hiking through mountains to find his parents or a pastor and parishioners delivering aid underscore the indomitable spirit of the affected communities.

Efforts to restore access to safe drinking water are critical, with many areas still under boil-water advisories. In Asheville, it's anticipated to take several weeks before normal water services can resume. Meanwhile, medical facilities like Mission Hospital are working tirelessly to manage the influx of patients while dealing with their own resource limitations.

As President Biden continues his tour with plans to visit Georgia and Florida, Vice President Kamala Harris is also expected to visit the affected areas soon. The promise from the administration is clear: to build back the devastated areas better and stronger. Biden's visit underscores a commitment to this massive recovery project, with assurances that federal support will persist as long as needed.