The White House reported Saturday that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Secretary DeAnne Criswell will survey the damage caused by Hurricane Helen in Florida and direct federal resources for the hurricane response in Florida. Assessed the need.
Criswell said in a post on social platform X Saturday night that FEMA will assist affected communities.
“Today, I joined @GovRonDeSantis and emergency response partners in Florida to assess the damage caused by #Helene. As I told the Governor, @FEMA is working hard to help recover from this devastating hurricane. , we are here to support these affected communities for as long as necessary,” she wrote. post.
As of Saturday, Hurricane Helen had left at least 56 people dead and millions without power, the Associated Press reported.
The Biden-Harris administration approved state of emergency declarations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, allowing federal funds to begin flowing quickly. .
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastating damage Hurricane Helen has caused in the Southeast,” Biden said in a statement. “Vice President Harris and I remain focused on lifesaving and life-sustaining response and recovery efforts as the storm continues northward.”
The effort includes support from more than 2,300 federal employees and volunteer organizations, according to the release. More than 800 FEMA personnel were also deployed to assist in assessing storm damage and subsequent response efforts.
The release also notes that FEMA has dispatched an urban search and rescue team of more than 1,270 personnel to hurricane-affected states.
Vice President Harris also expressed commitment to recovery efforts on Saturday, saying, “My heart goes out to everyone affected by Hurricane Helen.''
“President Biden and I will continue to work to ensure that no community or state has to respond to this disaster alone. We are on scene to support the families affected,” she wrote in a statement.
