Biden in Florida, Georgia touring Hurricane Helene damage as death toll rises

President Biden is touring Hurricane Helene damage in Florida and Georgia on Thursday after ordering 1,000 troops to respond to disaster areas following his trip to North Carolina on Wednesday.

The troops will mostly be focused on areas hit hardest in North Carolina, according to the White House.

At least 191 people in six states have reportedly died as a result of Helene, including 19 in Florida.

“These soldiers will speed up the delivery of life-saving supplies of food, water, and medicine to isolated communities in North Carolina — they have the manpower and logistical capabilities to get this vital job done, and fast,” Biden said in a statement after taking in aerial views of the damage in North and South Carolina. “They will join hundreds of North Carolina National Guard members deployed under State authorities in support of the response."

On Thursday, Biden will be visiting Tallahassee and Perry, Florida followed by stops in Valdosta and Ray City, Georgia. Biden will be meeting with local residents and government officials.