Biden Increases Military Presence and Support for North Carolina Crisis

U.S. Army uniform with American flag patch.

President Biden deploys 500 additional troops to North Carolina, bolstering Hurricane Helene recovery efforts amid devastating loss of life and widespread destruction.

At a Glance

  • President Biden authorizes 500 more active-duty troops for North Carolina, bringing the total military presence to 1,500
  • Over 6,100 National Guard members and 7,000 federal employees are already assisting in the area
  • The federal government has released over $137 million in aid, including $100 million for transportation infrastructure
  • Hurricane Helene has claimed over 225 lives, with 114 deaths in North Carolina alone
  • FEMA will cover 100% of debris removal and emergency protective measure costs for six months

Massive Federal Response to Hurricane Helene

In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on western North Carolina, President Biden has significantly expanded federal support by deploying an additional 500 active-duty military personnel. This move raises the total military contingent to nearly 1,500 troops, complementing the already substantial presence of over 6,100 National Guard members and more than 7,000 federal employees in the affected areas.

The scale of the disaster has prompted a comprehensive federal response. The Biden administration has released over $137 million in federal funds, with $100 million earmarked for rebuilding transportation infrastructure. This financial commitment underscores the government’s dedication to supporting the recovery efforts in the region.

Unprecedented Destruction and Loss of Life

Hurricane Helene has left a trail of catastrophic damage from Florida to the Appalachian mountains, resulting in a staggering death toll of over 225 people. North Carolina has been particularly hard-hit, with 114 confirmed fatalities. The storm’s impact has been likened to that of Hurricane Katrina, emphasizing the enormous challenge facing recovery efforts.

“The scope of this storm is more like Katrina,” he told CBS News‘ Margaret Brennan on “Face the Nation.” “It may look like a flood to the outside observer, but again, this is a landmass roughly the size of the state of Massachusetts, with damage distributed throughout. We have to get maximum resources on the ground immediately to finish rescue operations.”

The North Carolina National Guard has been at the forefront of rescue operations, performing over 1,400 rescues and delivering more than 700,000 pounds of supplies. Despite these efforts, approximately 408,000 customers remain without power, down from a peak of over one million.

Federal Government’s Commitment to Recovery

President Biden has taken decisive action to support the recovery efforts in North Carolina. In addition to the troop deployment, he has approved a 100% FEMA reimbursement for six months to cover the costs of debris removal and emergency protective measures. This decision aims to alleviate the financial burden on local and state governments, allowing them to focus on immediate recovery needs.

“My Administration is sparing no resource to support families as they begin their road to rebuilding,” Biden said. “We will continue working hand-in-hand with local and state leaders – regardless of political party and no matter how long it takes.”

The federal response has been multifaceted, with FEMA deploying over 5,000 personnel and distributing millions of meals, liters of water, generators, and tarps. The agency has also activated Transitional Sheltering Assistance for displaced North Carolinians and has received over 40,000 applications for disaster assistance.

Bipartisan Cooperation and Challenges

President Biden has emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation in the recovery efforts, stating that his administration will work with local and state leaders regardless of political affiliation. This approach is crucial in the face of the enormous challenges posed by Hurricane Helene’s aftermath.

“The damage caused by Hurricane Helene to Western North Carolina is immense, and we are continuing our unprecedented efforts to surge resources into affected communities,” said Governor Cooper. “We’re grateful to President Biden, FEMA and all of our federal partners for their support and commitment to helping our state respond, recover and rebuild from this disaster.”

However, the recovery efforts have not been without controversy. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell has criticized the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories about the federal response, noting that such false claims demoralize aid workers. Despite these challenges, the focus remains on providing immediate assistance and long-term support to the affected communities.

Sources:

  1. National Guard Provides Support to Hurricane Stricken States
  2. Biden-Harris Administration Provides More Than $20 Million to Hurricane Helene Survivors, Ongoing Search and Rescue Operations Continue in North Carolina
  1. Biden sends more troops to North Carolina for continued Hurricane Helene response
  1. PHOTOS AVAILABLE: Governor Cooper and President Biden Survey Damage from Hurricane Helene During Aerial Tour, Hold Briefing for Federal Officials at State Emergency Operations Center
  1. ‘The power of water.’ How Helene devastated western North Carolina and left communities in ruins
  1. Helene aftermath: Biden directs up to 1,000 soldiers to assist in aid efforts; 190 dead in storm aftermath
  1. Rescue, Relief and Recovery Operations Continue in Western North Carolina
  1. Biden Approves More Troops to Move to North Carolina for Hurricane Helene Response
  1. FACT SHEET: UPDATE: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Sparing No Resource to Support Communities Impacted by Hurricane Helene