Biden stands with Georgia in Helene’s aftermath: 'I promise you, we have your back’
RAY CITY, Ga, - President Joe Biden was back on the road Thursday to get a look at the damage and destruction caused by Hurricane Helene in Florida's Big Bend region and.
"Moments like this, it’s time to put politics aside," President Biden said. "It’s not one state versus others, it’s the United States."
President Biden went on an aerial tour in Florida before making his way to hard-hit Ray City, which is just north of Valdosta. This is the third storm to hit this area in a little over a year, but this one was the most destructive.
"You’ve been through hell," Biden said. "Three in a row and I want you to know I see you; I hear you, I grieve with you, and I promise you we have your back."
He toured Shiloh Pecan Farms on Thursday afternoon, which suffered a serious blow from the storm, losing acres of orchards.
"It’s been a struggle, a mighty struggle," said owner Buck Paulk. "It’s expensive, but when it comes down to it, you gotta have help."
SEE ALSO: Georgia’s farmers take massive hit after Helene; ‘bomb blast’ could cost state billions
Ray City is a small town of about a thousand. It took a beating from Helene. Supplies like water, food and tarps have been flowing into the area since last weekend, but Thursday morning the Georgia National Guard arrived.
"We're just very thankful for our community, and we're very thankful for our military that comes out and helps and supports everybody in our neighborhoods," said Margaret Haaland.
With President Biden seeing the damage firsthand, people who live in Ray City hope it puts a spotlight on Helene's destruction here.
"I am very grateful that they're out here," said Jennifer Rogers. "I don't do politics, I hadn't done it in years, but I am very glad that they are out here to look and see what's going on out here."
White House representatives have been touring all week with Vice President Kamala Harris touring Augusta on Wednesday.
During her visit, Harris provided updates on federal actions taken to support emergency response and recovery across Georgia and other southeastern states impacted by the storm.
U.S. President Joe Biden speaks to members of the news media while receiving a briefing in the Oval Office at the White House on Sept. 17, 2024, in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Trump, the Republican nominee, traveled to Valdosta, Georgia, on Monday with a Christian charity organization that brought trucks of fuel, food, water and other supplies.
After arriving, Trump accused Biden of "sleeping" and not responding to calls from Gov. Brian Kemp. However, Kemp had spoken with Biden the previous day, and the governor said the state was getting everything it needed.
Biden was infuriated by Trump’s claim, saying Trump was "lying, and the governor told him he was lying."
Trump is supposed to be joined by the governor on Friday in Evans.
SEE ALSO: Hurricane Helene: Death toll rises to 33 in Georgia, $417M in damages reported
MORE: Georgia state of emergency extended, gas tax suspended amid Helene recovery
At least 200 deaths - 33 in Georgia - in six Southeastern states have been attributed to the storm that inflicted damage from Florida’s Gulf Coast to the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia. More than 260,000 customers across the state remain without power days after the storm.
The president has approved a major disaster declaration for 41 Georgia counties - freeing up federal aid to support local efforts, but more could be added to the list.