Harris cuts West Coast trip for Hurricane Helene briefings in DC

In the United States, Vice President Kamala Harris is cutting her West Coast campaign trip short to address the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The hurricane, which made landfall last Thursday, has caused significant destruction in the Southeast, particularly in Florida's Big Bend region, resulting in at least 95 fatalities and widespread power outages. Harris will travel from Las Vegas to Washington, DC, to receive briefings at FEMA Headquarters regarding federal emergency response efforts. During her campaign swing, Harris had planned to make two stops in Nevada but has opted to prioritize the ongoing recovery efforts from the hurricane. She has already been in contact with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and several governors from affected states, including North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia, assuring them of the Biden administration's support. Harris emphasized the administration's commitment to assist impacted communities, stating that they will provide necessary help in the coming days and weeks. She intends to visit the affected areas as soon as it is feasible without hindering emergency operations. Former President Donald Trump has criticized Harris for fundraising activities during the hurricane's impact, while he plans to visit Georgia to oversee relief efforts. The situation remains critical as communities begin to assess the damage and seek recovery assistance.