Hurricane Helene Halts Presidential Campaigns: Harris and Trump Respond

Presidential rivals Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have halted their campaigns in response to Hurricane Helene, which caused over 100 deaths and significant damage across several southeastern states. Harris attended FEMA briefings in Washington, while Trump visited Valdosta, Georgia, to pledge support. President Joe Biden also plans to visit the affected areas.

The campaigns of presidential rivals Kamala Harris and Donald Trump were interrupted on Monday due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Harris cut short a trip to return to Washington, while Trump visited storm-hit Valdosta, Georgia.

Vice President Kamala Harris plans to visit the southeast region "soon," according to an official. The hurricane resulted in over 100 deaths and widespread power outages and infrastructure damage across North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia.

President Joe Biden announced plans to visit North Carolina later this week. Meanwhile, Harris flew back to Washington from Las Vegas to participate in emergency briefings at FEMA headquarters. She labeled the devastation "heartbreaking" and vowed long-term support for affected communities.

Harris also reached out to the governors of Florida and Georgia to discuss the needs of the affected states. Her campaign has scheduled stops in Pennsylvania and Michigan later this week. Simultaneously, more than 3,300 federal personnel are involved in the hurricane relief efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)