President Biden and Vice President Harris each travel to the storm-ravaged Southeast on Wednesday, two days after Donald Trump visited – as the death toll and devastation from Hurricane Helene soars.
Helene, one of the deadliest storms in recent U.S. history, knocked out power and cellular service for millions.
Many residents in both states were still without running water, cellular service and electricity as floodwaters receded and revealed more of the death and destruction left in Helene’s path.
The death toll across the Southeast was at least 162. Buncombe County, home to Asheville, has reported 57 deaths.
The confirmed death toll in Buncombe County, North Carolina, where hard-hit Asheville is located, climbed to 40 on Monday.