Hurricane Helene Live Update: 52 Dead, Including Mom and Her Twin Sons

According to the White House, President Joe Biden was briefed on Saturday by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall about the effects of Hurricane Helene in states including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee.

“The President has directed them to continue to focus on how the Biden-Harris administration can accelerate assistance to survivors and accelerate recovery efforts, including the immediate deployment of additional search and rescue teams to North Carolina,” the White House said.

According to the White House, Criswell is visiting affected communities in Florida “at the president’s request.”

The Rocky Broad River flows into Lake Lure and floods the town with debris from Chimney Rock, North Carolina, following heavy rains from Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024, in Lake Lure, North Carolina. About six feet of debris piled up on the bridge connecting Lake Lure to Chimney Rock, blocking access.

Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images

During its visit to the state, FEMA says Criswell is “investigating damage and assessing the need for federal resources to support Hurricane Helene response efforts.” The White House adds that he will also travel to Georgia and North Carolina in the coming days.

FEMA’s statement Saturday said the federal government had sent “more than 2,300 federal and volunteer agency workers to six states.” They add that they have deployed “1,270 personnel and Swift Water Rescuebilities units to the affected states” to continue rescue operations.

–ABC News’ Michelle Stoddart