Federal Aid Disbursed for Hurricane Helene Recovery

Federal support for Hurricane Helene survivors has exceeded $210 million, with FEMA providing over $87 million in Florida and more than $31 million in Georgia. North Carolina has also received $100 million from the Department of Transportation for road and bridge repairs, as the storm caused significant flooding and damage, resulting in at least 229 fatalities across the affected areas, including 116 in North Carolina. Vice President Kamala Harris announced additional federal aid for Mecklenburg County, which was added to the disaster declaration, allowing residents to apply for federal assistance. The storm's aftermath has led to a surge in rescue efforts, with a 300% increase in air traffic in Western North Carolina for aerial searches. While federal assistance is ongoing, some counties still remain excluded from the disaster declaration. Political responses have varied, with Harris emphasizing support and community efforts, while former President Trump criticized the federal response.