FEMA announced that along with Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties, federal aid would be available for those affected by Hurricane Helene in the following counties: Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Hernando, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Sarasota, Taylor and Wakulla counties.

President Joe Biden has approved Virginia’s request for an emergency declaration, making federal assistance available to several Southwest Virginia counties after Hurricane Helene caused damage across the area.

The U.S. Southeast grappled Sunday with rising death tolls, a lack of vital supplies in isolated, flood-stricken areas and the widespread loss of homes and property while the devastating toll of Hurricane Helene became more clear and officials warned of a lengthy and difficult rebuild.

Caravans of food, water and supplies were moving into western North Carolina on Monday as residents and local officials grappled with devastation never before seen in the region. The big picture: Hurricane Helene has left officials in six Southeastern states struggling to respond to the widespread destruction it caused after hitting Florida as a Category 4 storm last week,