President Biden spoke at a news conference Monday about the federal response to Hurricane Helen and promised to visit some of the hardest-hit areas, but he has yet to do so.
At the end of a news conference punctuated by frequent coughing fits, the president became defensive when pressed by reporters about who would lead the hurricane response over the weekend. Biden spent the weekend at his beach home in Delaware.
A heated exchange erupted at the White House after Biden finished his remarks and attempted to leave the Roosevelt Room.
“And Hurricane. Mr. President, why weren't you and Vice President Harris in command here in Washington this weekend?” a reporter yelled as the president left.
“I gave the order,” Biden retorted at the door. “Yesterday and the day before yesterday, we were on the phone for at least two hours. I'm in command. It's called a phone call, and it's all the guards.”
As reporters began to ask, “Isn't it important for the country to see?” Biden turned his back again and walked away. The president left the room and the door closed in the middle of questioning.
Asheville residents battle Hurricane Helen's 'apocalyptic' aftermath after deadly flooding and landslides
Biden began his remarks by vowing that he and his team were “in constant communication with governors, mayors, and local leaders” regarding Hurricane Helen.
President Biden speaks to reporters as he leaves the Roosevelt Room after discussing Hurricane Helen response efforts on Monday, September 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
The president said Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell is on the ground in North Carolina and will remain in the Asheville area. Biden acknowledged reports that more than 100 people were killed in the storm's aftermath, and that about 600 were still missing and unreached.
“We keep in our prayers all the lives lost, and certain missing lives: my husband, wife, son, daughter, mother, father, and those without electricity, water, food, There is nothing better than wondering if so many of those who remain are still alive.'' And that telecommunications, homes, and businesses can be swept away in an instant, and that we will not leave until the work is done. I want you to know,” Biden said.
“I also want you to know that I am committed to getting to the affected areas as quickly as possible, but I have been told that acting now will cause chaos,” Biden added.
North Carolina lawmaker likens Hurricane Helen's aftermath to a 'war zone'
He explained that he would be visiting later in the week. “I will not do so at the risk of diverting or delaying any of the response assets needed to address this crisis,” Biden said. It means getting all the support we can.” “It's expected to arrive later this week.”
“I am directing my team to provide all available resources as quickly as possible to begin the rescue, recovery and rebuilding of our communities,” Biden said.
President Biden coughs while speaking about the federal government's response efforts to Hurricane Helen at the White House on Monday, September 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
In addition to FEMA, Biden directed the Federal Communications Commission to help establish communications capabilities, and also directed the National Guard, Army Corps of Engineers, and Department of Defense to “provide every resource at their disposal for rescue and assistance.” I was instructed to do so.” They are involved in clearing debris and delivering life-saving supplies. ”
According to the president, more than 3,600 appointments have been approved so far. He also approved requests for emergency declarations from the governors of Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia and Alabama.
Biden said that as president, he has “witnessed firsthand the devastating toll these disasters take on families and communities” and has “heard from dozens of survivors about what it feels like to be left-handed with nothing.” I heard stories,” he said. He called on people in the affected areas to heed warnings from emergency authorities.
An uprooted tree falls on a pickup truck in front of a home on East Main Street after Hurricane Helen on Saturday, September 28, 2024 in Glen Alpine, North Carolina. (AP Photo/Kathy Kumonicek)
“Please take this seriously. Stay safe. The nation has your back, and the Biden-Harris administration will be there until the job is done,” Biden said.
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The president also recognized three members of the San Diego Fire and Rescue Department who were seriously injured in a crash near the Texas-Louisiana state line over the weekend.
“One of the brave volunteer teams on the scene was from the San Diego County Fire Department, who had planned to travel all the way from California to North Carolina to help, but on the way they were in a terrible car accident in Louisiana. “I recovered, but it was a terrible accident,” he said.
