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Live updates on Hurricane Helene: 52 dead, including mother and her young twin sons

Live updates on Hurricane Helene: 52 dead, including mother and her young 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 on the impacts of Hurricane Helene in states including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee.

“The President directed them to remain focused on how the Biden-Harris Administration can accelerate support for affected survivors and accelerate recovery efforts, including immediately deploying additional search and rescue teams to North Carolina,” the White House said .

This comes as Criswell is visiting affected communities in Florida “at the request of the President,” according to the White House.

The Rocky Broad River flows into Lake Lure and floods the town of 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 from Lake Lure to Chimney Rock, blocking access.

Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images

FEMA says that during her visit to the state, Criswell will “investigate the damage and assess the need for federal funding to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts.” The White House adds that she will also travel to Georgia and North Carolina in the coming days.

A statement from FEMA on Saturday said the federal government deployed “more than 2,300 federal personnel and volunteer organizations to six states.” They add that they have “deployed 1,270 personnel and Swift Water Rescue Capabilities to affected states” to continue rescue efforts.

–ABC News’ Michelle Stoddart