Harris offers aid pledges during visit to storm-hit state

Vice-President Kamala Harris met relief officials and volunteers in North Carolina on Oct 5 in a show of support for victims of Hurricane Helene, which caused large-scale damage in the election battleground state.

The storm, which killed more than 200 people, has become a flashpoint in the presidential race as Republican candidate Donald Trump disparages the disaster response and Ms Harris, the Democratic nominee, touts the Biden administration's efforts to offer resources.

"So I came here to find out what's going on on the ground, what more can we do in terms of federal aid," she told reporters at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

That includes US$100 million (S$130 million) to help rebuild Interstate 40, she said.

Interstate 40 is a major east-west trans-continental highway connecting parts of the south-east and south-west in the United States.

Economic damage, including those covered by private insurance, could total as much as US$250 billion, according to a projection from AccuWeather. That would make it one of the costliest storms in American history.

The Vice-President praised local officials and residents for their response to the storm.

"I've been seeing and hearing the stories from here in North Carolina about strangers who are helping each other out, giving people assistance in every way that they need, including shelter, food, and friendship and fellowship," she said.