As the number of storm-related deaths climbed past 100 across the Southeast, authorities were rushing to airdrop supplies, restore power and clear roads after massive rains from Hurricane Helene left people stranded and without shelter.
President Biden said Monday morning that he planned to visit the disaster area later this week. The president said he didn’t want to survey the damage too soon and divert resources from response efforts.
Mr. Biden told reporters at the White House there were reports that 600 people were unaccounted for following the storm, which knocked out communications to affected areas.
“God willing they’re alive, but there’s no way to contact them,” Mr. Biden said.
Hurricane Helene death toll
Helene killed at least 116 people, CBS News confirmed.
Thirty fatalities were reported in Buncombe County, North Carolina — one of the states hit hardest by the …