Vice President Kamala Harris met with emergency management officials and individuals who lost their homes and loved ones to Hurricane Helene during a Wednesday stop in Augusta.
Harris touched down at 2:30 p.m. at Augusta Regional Airport, where according to video footage she greeted Rep. Gloria Frazier and Mayor Garnett Johnson and his wife, Toni. Harris then visited with emergency officials in Augusta.
“You are doing God’s work,” she told Augusta emergency management personnel during a brief meeting.
Harris’ visit was covered by national media and The Augusta Press was not among those invited to attend.
VIdeo footage streamed by the White House showed Harris then give remarks in front of a heavily-damaged Augusta home, where she thanked Johnson for his leadership on the ground.
The losses in Augusta were “particularly devastating in terms of the loss of life that this community has experienced, the loss of normalcy and the loss of critical resources,” Harris said. “There is real pain and trauma that has resulted.” Harris said she’d spoken with a woman who lost her husband to the storm.
First responders, meanwhile, are leaving their own storm-damaged homes to help the public, she said. Harris thanked those who stepped up during the very difficult time.
“I want to highlight the nobility of the kind of work that these public servants have dedicated themselves to, which can be in moments of crisis like this so selfless,” she said.
Thousands remained without power, clean water, cell service and internet Wednesday since the Friday morning storm. Dozens of groups distributed food and water to those in need.
As of Tuesday, residents were able to apply for emergency federal aid for things like food and baby formula.
Harris said she and President Biden wanted to be sure “federal resources hit the ground as quickly as possible,” including the direct federal assistance.
Her visit followed a Monday appearance by Gov. Brian Kemp in Augusta and a Wednesday appearance by Kemp in Thomson, where he met with Mayor Benji Cranford.
“I want to thank the governor for his leadership and his close coordination with the federal government,” Harris said. “We are at our best when we work together and we coordinate resources.”
In addition, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has made tens of thousands of dollars available to residents to cover the cost of expenses such as home repairs and temporary lodging, she said.
The president has approved 100% reimbursement for local government expenses associated with the storm, including debris removal, food and water, Harris said.
Before departing Augusta, Harris helped hand out hot meals to residents at the Henry Brigham Community Center.
