Biden approves more troops to move to North Carolina for Hurricane Helene response

A man cleans his shed covered with mud following the passing of Hurricane Helene, in Creston, North Carolina, U.S., October 5, 2024. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden said on Sunday he ordered another 500 active-duty troops to move into western North Carolina and assist with the response and recovery efforts after the deadly and devastating Hurricane Helene.

"With a total of 1,500 troops now supplementing a robust on-the-ground effort – including more than 6,100 National Guardsmen and more than 7,000 Federal personnel – my Administration is sparing no resource to support families as they begin their road to rebuilding," Biden said in a statement.