On Monday, while visiting Kentucky to meet with families and first responders, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden saw the damage caused by deadly and destructive storms that led to the worst floods in the state's history.
Since last month's flood, which dumped 8 to 10-1/2 inches of rain in just 48 hours, at least 37 people have perished. Gov. Andy Beshear informed Vice President Joe Biden that at least one more death is anticipated by the authorities. According to the National Weather Service, flooding is still a risk, and further thunderstorms are expected through Thursday.
The president said that the federal government would give assistance until locals could get back on their feet, stating that the country has a duty to assist all of its citizens. As he talked, a one-story house that the storm had toppled sideways and scattered on the ground was visible behind him.
Biden remarked, "We have the ability to accomplish this; it's not like it's beyond our control. We're remaining till everyone has returned to their original positions.
Biden's button-down shirt was drenched in perspiration from the summer's heat and humidity. He avoided formal statements as he paced while holding a microphone and promised to return as soon as the town had been rebuilt.
The president remarked, "The bad news for you is I'm coming back because I want to see it.
When the Bidens arrived in eastern Kentucky, Beshear and his wife Britainy welcomed them with open arms. They stopped at the location where a school bus slammed into a partially collapsed structure while being carried by floodwaters as they drove to examine the storm damage in Breathitt County.
Beshear praised Biden for rapidly approving federal aid and described the floods as "beyond anything we've ever seen" in the state.
He commended the emergency personnel who "have moved heaven and earth to reach where we are, what, about nine days from when this hit."
Biden pledged to do whatever it takes to assist during a briefing on the effects of the floods with first responders and recovery specialists at Marie Roberts Elementary School in Lost Creek.
He said, "I guarantee you, if it's legal, we'll do it." And if it's not legal, we'll work to amend the legislation, if necessary.
With reference to his ongoing political conflicts with Kentucky senator and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, the president emphasized that politics have no place in disaster relief. Biden noted that although "we always fight on issues," "we're all on the same team" when it comes to rebuilding Kentucky.
Biden's visit on Monday marks his second to the region since taking office a year ago. After storms ripped through Kentucky in December, killing 77 people and leaving a trail of devastation, he previously paid the state a visit.
Beshear recently observed, "I wish I could explain to you why we keep getting pounded here in Kentucky. "I wish I could explain why communities with less affluence keep getting hammered and losing everything. Although I am unable to explain why, I am aware of what we do in response. We must do everything we can, is the reply. These people are ours. Let's certain that we assist them.
In order to guarantee that the federal government will fully pay the cost of debris clearance and other emergency measures, Biden has increased federal disaster assistance to Kentucky.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has donated more than $3.1 million in relief funds, according to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, and hundreds of rescue workers have been sent out to assist.
The floods in Kentucky and the extreme weather across the nation, she said, serve as yet another reminder of the impacts of climate change, which are accelerating and becoming more pronounced. As a result, she emphasized the urgent need for investment in building communities that are more resilient to it.
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