More than 200 people have been killed from Hurricane Helene, which unleashed devastation across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee.
Helene, which made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region last week as a massive Category 4 hurricane, has become the deadliest mainland hurricane since Katrina in 2005.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, ABC News' "Good Morning America" is set to provide five days of special coverage titled "Southeast Strong: Help After Helene" (#SoutheastStrongABC), spotlighting communities across the Southeast impacted by Hurricane Helene and the urgent efforts to help them recover.
Gov. DeSantis says power restored to all but 111K in Florida
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis shared a major update on power restoration progress in the state on Sunday.
DeSantis said a post on X that most customers who lost power after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida's Big Bend area last week, have had their electricity restored.
The governor said power was back for 2.3 million customers, and 99% of the state has power.
He added that power remains out for 111,000 customers.
Sep 29, 2024, 7:57 PM EDT
Biden intends to visit hurricane zone this week
President Joe Biden spent his Sunday evening receiving briefings on the damage from Hurricane Helene, and speaking to local officials from the impacted areas.
In a statement, the White House said Biden intends to travel to the impacted areas this week, "as soon as it will not disrupt emergency operations."
A tattered American flag hangs on a rope on a now closed road in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, in Jena, Fla., Sept. 29, 2024.
Gerald Herbert/AP
Additionally, Biden spoke by phone Sunday with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, Valdosta, Georgia, Mayor Scott Matheson and Taylor County, Florida, emergency management director John Louk, according to the White House.
The president also reached out to additional officials across North Carolina, Tennessee, Florida and South Carolina.
"In each conversation, the President received updates on response and recovery efforts, and he shared how the Biden-Administration will continue providing support to impacted communities – for as long as it takes," the White House said in the statement.
-ABC News' Sarah Kolinovsky
Sep 29, 2024, 5:15 PM EDT
Helene death toll rises to 84
Buncombe County, North Carolina, which includes the city of Asheville, reported Sunday evening that 30 people had been killed due to the storm.
Eighty-four people have died across Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Georgia, according to the Associated Press.
Tennessee has not reported any storm-related deaths, but as ABC News previously reported, Unicoi County officials say at least 73 people remain unaccounted for.
-ABC News' Jason Volack
Sep 29, 2024, 4:49 PM EDT
Trump to visit Valdosta, Georgia
Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Valdosta, Georgia, on Monday to receive a briefing on the damage caused by Hurricane Helene, help distribute supplies and deliver remarks, his campaign said.
A view of storm damage at Chez What in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Valdosta, Ga., Sept. 28, 2024.
Sean Rayford/Getty Images
A damaged 100-year-old home is seen after an Oak tree landed on the home after Hurricane Helene moved through the area, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga.
Mike Stewart/AP
President Joe Biden said Sunday that the photographs showing Hurricane Helene's damage are "stunning."
When asked by reporters about his message to the victims, Biden said, "It's tragic."
Amber Bertrand of Williston, hugs Tina DiLibero goodbye after Bertrand helped salvage some of DiLibero's belongings in the wake of Hurricane Helene in Steinhatchee, Fla., Sept. 28, 2024.
Kathleen Flynn/Reuters
"My FEMA advisor is on the ground in Florida right now. … We're working hard," Biden said.
Asked by ABC News if there are more resources the federal government could be providing, Biden responded, "No, we've given them. We have pre-planned a significant amount, even though they didn't ask for it yet -- hadn't asked for it yet."
