Joe Biden's Georgia Disaster Tour: More Than Just a Photo Op

Though most families breathed a sigh of relief after getting their children and pets to safety, one particularly unfortunate family mourns the loss of a two year old, who was swept away by rushing waters in Georgia. For days local news showed footage of aerial views of neighborhoods with only rooftops of homes visible followed by pictures of Six Flags, who is already having financial woes, with roller coasters partially submerged in water. Days of school closings and road closings dominated much of that week here in Georgia, with several roads still remaining closed the next week. In all, ten have died and countless others' homes have been so severely damaged they cannot be returned to. One school was almost completely submerged by the floods and has for the time being directed their students to attend other area schools because of the severe damage. These are but a few of the heartbreaking stories being covered here in Georgia over the past few weeks. Saturated with details of the floods, reporters recount story after story of the trauma experienced here by residents on a personal level.

Vice President Joe Biden's Disaster Tour

Although the floods have receded now, water lines remain visible on trees and houses, revealing evidence of the once surging waters. With more rain in the forecast, a visit from Vice President Joe Biden, televised by 11alive News, brought a certain measure of hope for many distraught residents with nowhere to turn. Arriving on Air Force Two at Dobbins Air Force Base last Friday for a disaster tour with Joe Biden were Craig Fugate, Administrator of FEMA, Department of Homeland Security Director, Napolitano and Senators Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss.

The Vice President's disaster tour included a helicopter ride to survey the damage as well as handshakes and hugs for the some of the victims at a Red Cross Relief Shelter. The Vice President acknowledged the impact of the flood on residents, saying this is more than a physical loss it is a psychological loss. Assuring this is more than a photo op, the Vice President spoke personally with many Georgia residents who wanted answers and promises of assistance. Biden gave reassurance that Obama was aware of the floods. Though tied up with scheduled commitments last week, Obama urged Biden to visit Georgia. Victims were comforted, at least somewhat, by the fact that their plight had not gone unnoticed by Washington.

Federal Assistance Expected

Tempering the promises of assistance with reality, Vice President Joe Biden warned that this is not an overnight fix. Craig Fugate, Administrator of FEMA gave explanations of the types of help that could be expected, along with phone numbers for victims to call for assistance. Napolitano gave assurances that the Emergency Declaration from the President had already been signed and that FEMA would be here for weeks. She explained that there would be assistance with rental, housing and small business needs for those citizens affected by the floods.

Likely Page Break

According to 11alive.com, Governor Sunny Perdue asked the White House to put seventeen counties on a disaster declaration list which would qualify them for federal disaster relief. There were assurances that other agencies, such as HUD will also be involved in the recovery efforts.

Praise for Georgia Representatives

Joe Biden praised Georgia Representatives for their quick attention to Georgia's plight, along with acknowledgements of local and county officials for their hands-on help to the residents here. Local news made note of the accessibility of Joe Biden and officials accompanying him, who were attentative to those who wanted to tell their stories. After three hours in Georgia, the converted 757 with Joe Biden and his crew headed back to Washington D.C..

References:

Jerry Carnes, Vice President Visits Flood Victims, updated September 25, 2009

http://www.11alive.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=135615&catid=40

11 Alive News, Atlanta, Georgia