Harris, Trump presidential campaigns interrupted by deadly Hurricane Helene
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More than 3,300 federal personnel have been deployed as part of the hurricane response in the US in September.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LAS VEGAS/WASHINGTON – The aftermath of Hurricane Helene interrupted the campaigns of US presidential rivals Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on Sept 30 after Ms Harris cut short a campaign trip
Democratic US Vice-President Harris plans to visit the south-east region “soon”, according to an official who declined to be identified. The hurricane was responsible for the deaths of more than 100 people
There were no immediate details on when Ms Harris would visit or where she would go.
Republican candidate Trump visited Valdosta, a city in the swing state of Georgia, where he thanked local leaders and first responders for their response to the hurricane and pledged “complete solidarity” with those who lost loved ones, homes and businesses.
Democratic US President Joe Biden said he told North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper he would visit the state later this week, and expects to be there by Oct 2 or Oct 3.
Ms Harris on Sept 29 flew back to Washington earlier than planned from Las Vegas, Nevada, where she was on a campaign trip, to take part in briefings at the headquarters for the Federal Emergency Management Administration (Fema).
In remarks after the briefings, Ms Harris called the devastation “heartbreaking”.
“We will continue to do everything we can to help you recover and to help you rebuild no matter how long it takes,” Ms Harris said.
She spoke with Mr Cooper, a Democrat, and reached out to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, both Republicans, to discuss their needs, according to the official.
North Carolina and Georgia are among a handful of swing states that will likely decide the White House race between Ms Harris and Trump.
Ms Harris’ campaign has announced campaign stops in two other battlegrounds, Pennsylvania and Michigan, on Oct 2 and Oct 4, respectively. The vice-presidential candidates – Democrat Tim Walz and Republican J.D. Vance – will debate on Oct 2.
More than 3,300 federal personnel have been deployed as part of the hurricane response, including on search and rescue efforts and restoring power, Biden administration officials have said. REUTERS
