Washington, United States (AFP) – US President Joe Biden on Wednesday ordered deployment of up to 1,000 troops to flood-ravaged North Carolina to boost emergency response efforts including the “fight to save lives” after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of southeastern states.

“At my direction, the secretary of defense has just approved the deployment of up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to reinforce the North Carolina National Guard,” Biden said in a White House statement.

More than 155 people have died, hundreds more remain unaccounted for, and communities across multiple states have been devastated by flooding.

mlm/bgs

© Agence France-Presse

Featured image credit: kjpargeter | Freepik

Image: Detail of the rice plant
Climate strategies of agri-food giants insufficient: studyNews

Climate strategies of agri-food giants insufficient: study

Paris, France | AFP | Muser NewsDesk Nestle, PepsiCo and other agri-food giants are "unlikely" to bring about meaningful greenhouse gas reductions in the sector…
SourceSourceJune 3, 2025 Full article
Image: Grapes, vineyard
Warmer climate boosts north German vineyards, for nowNews

Warmer climate boosts north German vineyards, for now

Werder, Germany | AFP The morning sun shines on lush vines as harvesters pick grapes. The hillside vineyard looks like it could be in Italy but…
SourceSourceSeptember 21, 2025 Full article
Image: Books with green board background
Canadian experts urge protection for children from escalating heat in schools and child care settingsNews

Canadian experts urge protection for children from escalating heat in schools and child care settings

Extreme heat events caused by climate change jeopardize children’s health and learning; 40+ organizations issue urgent call to action As Canadians face increasingly intense and…
SourceSourceApril 24, 2025 Full article