Former President Donald Trump is set to visit Valdosta, Georgia, to assess the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.
The Trump campaign issued a press release on Sunday, confirming the former president’s visit to the city on Monday to receive a briefing on the damage and assist in the distribution of relief supplies.
The press release stated, “President Donald J. Trump, 45th President of the United States of America, will visit Valdosta, Georgia, to receive a briefing on the devastation of Hurricane Helene, facilitate the distribution of relief supplies, and deliver remarks to the press on Monday.”
Tomorrow, President Donald J. Trump will visit Valdosta, Georgia, to receive a briefing on the devastation of Hurricane Helene, facilitate the distribution of relief supplies, and deliver remarks to the press. pic.twitter.com/njttfRx0tm
— Team Trump (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@TeamTrump) September 29, 2024
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Valdosta, a city severely impacted by the hurricane, has reported at least three fatalities.
Valdosta Mayor Scott James Matheson confirmed the tragic loss of life and noted the widespread damage throughout the area. “It’s three for us. And a lot more injury than we sustained during Idalia, a lot more injury for the penetration of the trees to roofs and houses as well,” Matheson said in a statement to WALB.
Video footage shared by Billy Heath, a photojournalist with Fox5 Atlanta, revealed significant damage to historic buildings in downtown Valdosta, highlighting the destruction caused by the powerful storm.
STORM DAMAGE IN VALDOSTA: Multiple historic buildings have partially collapsed in downtown Valdosta, Georgia after #HurricaneHelene passed through overnight. One of the most significant that we’ve seen is Chez What furniture & antique store. @FOX5Atlanta pic.twitter.com/FTvMxO1FsD
— Billy Heath III (@BillyHeathFOX5) September 27, 2024
In addition to the devastation in Georgia, other areas in the Southeast, including western North Carolina, were also severely impacted by Hurricane Helene.
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The city of Asheville and surrounding regions experienced severe flooding, resulting in the destruction of roads, bridges, and homes.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation reported on Sunday that there were still “300 road incidents” throughout the state, with over “50 on main roads” affected by the storm.
Video footage posted to X showed widespread flooding in Asheville, with buildings, vehicles, and homes submerged under water.
Historic flooding of the Biltmore Village yesterday in Asheville as the remnant eyewall of Helene passed over.
A record crest of Swannanoa River.
📍Biltmore Village, Asheville, NC pic.twitter.com/MMKMuSulYy
— Billy Bowling 𝕏 (@babowling12) September 28, 2024
The scenes of destruction extended throughout the region, as communities worked to recover from the hurricane’s impact.
Video of a house floating away and collapsing in Asheville as tropical storm Helene floods the area. pic.twitter.com/6HORGSg8cX
— ABC11 EyewitnessNews (@ABC11_WTVD) September 27, 2024
Meanwhile, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) and his wife, Suzanne, were seen in Darrow, Virginia, helping distribute sandwiches to first responders and residents affected by the storm.
Just moments ago, @GovernorVA @GlennYoungkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin were on the ground in Narrows, Virginia, personally delivering sandwiches to first responders and residents impacted by #HurricaneHelene. pic.twitter.com/XZ12gSStNF
— Christian Martinez (@C_RMartinez) September 29, 2024
The governor’s visit was part of ongoing relief efforts in the state, which also suffered significant damage from the hurricane.
The visit by Trump to Valdosta follows growing frustration over the federal response to the disaster.
🚨 Biden just said there will be NO ADDITIONAL RESOURCES given to the areas pummeled by Hurricane Helene
WTF?
There’s practically ZERO federal support to begin with!
WHAT IS GOING ON? pic.twitter.com/gcKHPuzLs5
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) September 30, 2024
Critics have pointed out the stark contrast between Joe Biden’s recent allocation of $2.4 billion in aid to Ukraine and the lack of additional federal support for hurricane victims in the United States.
“$2.4 billion aid to Ukraine” vs “No more aid for Hurricane Helene” – 3 days apart pic.twitter.com/zA2CxzNPiG
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) September 30, 2024
In recent days, Biden stated that there would be no additional resources provided to areas pummeled by Hurricane Helene, sparking outrage among those affected by the storm.
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The lack of federal support has drawn widespread criticism, particularly as communities in Georgia and North Carolina work to rebuild after the hurricane.
In case you’re wondering why the response to Hurricane Helene has been a disaster… Fema’s goal 1 is to instill equity as a foundation of emergency management. This is real pic.twitter.com/bPFTmfkndE
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) September 30, 2024
Trump’s visit to Valdosta is seen as an effort to highlight the need for greater relief efforts and draw attention to the ongoing challenges faced by those impacted by the storm.
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