ATLANTA — It's been nearly a week since Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic damage and killed more than 160 people across the Southeast.
On Wednesday, the White House provided an update for Georgians as Vice President Kamala Harris visits Richmond County to survey the damage and meet with the community. President Joe Biden is also set to travel to Florida and Georgia on Thursday to tour the impacted areas and meet with affected communities.
Latest White House update after Helene
The White House said 520 people are staying in eight shelters across Georgia. The American Red Cross continues to help those impacted by providing disaster relief assistance, food and shelter. Additionally, the Salvation Army has 26 active mobile food pantries in 10 Georgia counties.
On Tuesday, the White House reached out to over 130 officials in North Carolina and Georgia. Power crews are also still working 24/7 to help resort power throughout parts of Georgia.
The White House added that generators, mutual aid crews and additional power restoration assets are also being moved into the hardest-hit areas as debris is removed. The U.S. Department of Energy also has responders deployed to Georgia to assist with efforts.
Earlier this week, President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration for more than 40 counties across the Peach State.
How to apply for FEMA assistance in Georgia
For Georgians who need to apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance, officials said you can apply in three ways:
- Visit disasterassistance.gov
- Call 1-800-621-336
- Download the FEMA App
The White House said FEMA disaster assistance teams are also at the shelters, helping people apply for assistance.
FEMA has already approved more than $663,000 in individual assistance to survivors, according to the White House. A FEMA Incident Management Assistance Team is onsite at the state Emergency Operations Center to coordinate with the state and facilitate any requests for assistance.
Georgians can find additional resources, such as shelters and food distribution locations, online here.