USA, hurricane victims and aid misinformation

2024-10-14 15:56:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Over the weekend, President Joe Biden visited areas affected by Hurricane Milton in Florida and announced half a billion dollars in new aid to improve the power grid. As relief and recovery efforts continue, officials warn that misinformation is spreading rapidly as Election Day approaches, VOA North Carolina correspondent Patrick Bresnan reports.

President Joe Biden visited areas devastated by Hurricane Milton in Florida over the weekend. He announced a $612 million fund to support communities affected by Milton and the hurricane that preceded it, Helene.

"This funding will not only restore electricity, but will make the power system more disaster-resilient and reduce the length of power outages as extreme weather events become more frequent," President Biden said.

However, misinformation about the federal government's response has spread rapidly. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told CBS that he is "extremely concerned."

"It is extremely harmful. We have individuals who need help and who are not seeking it because of false information. We need officials to disprove this false information, and we don't see that happening," said Secretary Mayorkas.

Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris spent the weekend in North Carolina. On Saturday, she joined activists helping those affected as the western part of the state deals with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Vice President Harris' political rival, Donald Trump, has criticized President Biden's administration for what he considers a weak response to the hurricane.

Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance was asked Sunday about false information the former president has spread, including that aid to victims known to be Republicans has been intentionally withheld by federal agencies or that it is being given to undocumented immigrants.

"Republican lawmakers on the ground, who represent that area, say they have to call the White House to get food and water to those affected. I don't think it's done on purpose, but I think we've had a poor response to this particular crisis," Mr. Vance said.

VOA visited hurricane-hit areas in Asheville, North Carolina, and spoke with some of those affected about the government's response.

"From what I've seen, the entire National Guard seems to be on the move, we see helicopters flying all the time. I think there's an appropriate response," says Elliot, a resident of Asheville.

"We haven't had any support from the federal or city government yet, but maybe it will come," says Dan Juhnke, Asheville resident.

As aid runs out, the White House is asking Congress to approve additional funding ahead of the Nov. 5 presidential election./ VOA