The death toll from Hurricane Helene climbed to at least 130 across the southeastern US on Monday, sparking political tensions as President Joe Biden refuted claims of a slow federal response.
With hundreds still missing in states like North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, Biden announced plans to visit North Carolina to assess rescue efforts. He also responded to accusations from Donald Trump, who claimed that the federal government was neglecting disaster victims, particularly his supporters. “He’s lying,” Biden stated, adding that North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper had confirmed this.
At least 57 people died in North Carolina, while other states, including Georgia and South Carolina, also suffered significant casualties. Emergency workers continue efforts to restore essential services and aid those affected.
Trump, campaigning in Georgia, criticised the government’s response, while Vice President Kamala Harris returned to Washington for briefings on the situation. Biden, meanwhile, defended his decision to spend the weekend in Delaware, stressing that he had been working throughout.
Biden linked the storm’s severity to climate change, echoing scientific consensus that warmer oceans fuel hurricanes’ intensification.
Rescue operations continue in affected states, with many areas still without power, roads destroyed, and communities left in ruins.