President Joe Biden will visit the areas devastated by Hurricane Helene later this week. The storm has caused significant damage and loss of life across multiple states, leading to a major emergency response effort, Mail Online reported.

President Joe Biden plans to visit the hurricane-hit areas in North Carolina by Wednesday or Thursday. Over the weekend, Biden stayed at his Rehoboth Beach vacation home as Hurricane Helene made its devastating landfall. Despite not being at the White House, Biden maintained communication with key officials and governors during this critical period.

Biden Maintained Communication Amid Crisis

During his time at his vacation home, Biden ensured he remained in constant contact with the governors of Georgia and North Carolina, two of the states most affected by the hurricane. The storm has caused catastrophic damage, resulting in at least 121 deaths across six states and leaving more than 600 individuals missing.

The hurricane has caused extensive infrastructure damage. Major roads, including the I-64 interstate, have suffered heavy damage or have been wiped out completely. Power outages are widespread, with over 460,000 people currently without electricity.

Emergency Shelters and Rescue Operations

In response to the widespread devastation, more than 1,000 individuals are seeking refuge in 24 shelters set up across the affected states. Teams from 19 different states and the federal government are conducting search and rescue operations. Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina has stated that some roads could take months to repair, highlighting the long-term recovery ahead.

Vice President Kamala Harris has canceled her campaign stops to return to Washington, D.C., where she will participate in hurricane briefings. Donald Trump, too, plans to visit Georgia on Monday to address hurricane relief efforts.

The Financial Cost of the Storm

Damage estimates from Hurricane Helene range from $15 billion to more than $100 billion, underscoring the immense scale of destruction. On Sunday, about 2.7 million customers were without power, but utilities have since reduced this number by 40%.

While at his vacation home, Biden faced questions about his absence from the White House during the crisis. He responded, "I've told the governor of North Carolina I'll go down, and I expect to be down there by Wednesday or Thursday when it is clear for me."

Biden Defends Actions

Biden added, "I'm committed to traveling to impacted areas as soon as possible, but I've been told that it would be disruptive if I did it right now." He emphasized that he had been "commanding" the response via phone calls, stating, "I was on the phone for at least two hours yesterday, and the day before, as well. I commanded, it's called a telephone."

The President vowed that the federal government would not cease its efforts until recovery is complete. "We're not leaving until the job is done," he said, reinforcing his administration's commitment to helping the affected communities rebuild and recover.

Political Reactions

Donald Trump's upcoming visit to Georgia is drawing attention. When reporters asked about Trump's visit, Biden commented, "I don't have any idea." This situation reflects the tense political landscape as both leaders navigate the ongoing disaster response.

The bipartisan cooperation that emerged in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene, such as the involvement of teams from various states in the rescue efforts, will be critical to the long-term recovery process. Additionally, both Biden and Trump are expected to bring further attention and resources to the hardest-hit areas with their upcoming visits.

Recovery and Rebuilding Efforts

Governor Roy Cooper's statement that some roads "could take months to repair" illustrates the challenging road ahead for affected communities. The immense damage to infrastructure, coupled with the high number of missing persons and extensive power outages, makes recovery a daunting task.

As search and rescue operations continue, agencies on the ground are assessing the full extent of the storm's impact. They are working tirelessly to provide immediate relief and begin the process of rebuilding.

In the coming days, President Biden will visit the hurricane-hit areas, marking a significant moment for the affected communities. His visit will serve as a powerful reminder of the federal government's commitment to helping them through this difficult time.