Overview

• Hurricane Helene caused over $53 billion in damage to North Carolina, with more than 100 fatalities and widespread destruction to homes, roads, and water systems.
• JD Vance's visit to western North Carolina marks one of his first public appearances since the election, focusing on meeting first responders and touring damaged areas.
• State leaders have requested $25 billion in federal aid, as local recovery efforts have been slow, with some residents still living in temporary shelters or tents.
• Criticism has been directed at both federal and state relief efforts, with displaced residents and small businesses struggling to recover as winter approaches.
• Vance emphasized the incoming administration's commitment to supporting recovery, visiting a home rebuilding project and honoring a firefighter who died during rescue efforts.