As the 2024 US presidential election approaches, the destructive impact of back-to-back hurricanes has unexpectedly shifted the focus of the campaign. While voters traditionally weigh issues like the economy, healthcare, and immigration, this year’s natural disasters have put crisis management at the forefront, offering a critical test of leadership for both candidates.

The devastation caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton has pushed both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump into the spotlight, with each vying to prove their ability to respond effectively to such crises. Natural disasters are no longer isolated events that communities recover from quietly; they have become political flashpoints, particularly in an era of increasing climate-related emergencies. The frequency and severity of these disasters have turned them into routine challenges for administrations, testing their ability to mobilise federal agencies, allocate funds, and manage public perception.

This is especially true now, as the hurricanes have disrupted voting in several key counties, raising concerns about election integrity and access to voting in disaster-affected areas. Ms Harris has made the recovery efforts a key part of her campaign, emphasising the need for bipartisan cooperation in the face of widespread devastation. By appearing alongside President Biden at briefings and meetings about storm recovery, she aims to project competence and empathy, qualities that are essential in moments of national crisis. Ms Harris has also attempted to call out the spread of misinformation about the administration’s response, especially as false narratives about aid distribution circulate. Her message is clear: this is no time for politics as usual.

The challenge for Ms Harris, however, is to balance empathy with a forward-looking campaign while under intense scrutiny from both her opponent and the public. On the other hand, Mr Trump has seized on these natural disasters to attack the Biden-Harris administration, accusing them of mishandling the response. Mr Trump’s strategy relies on amplifying doubts about the competence of his opponents, a tactic that may resonate with voters already sceptical of the current administration. His criticisms, however, have been marred by misinformation, as he claims ~ without evidence ~ that aid is being unfairly distributed or withheld from certain areas. This kind of rhetoric not only politicises disaster relief but also diverts attention from the real issue: how best to support the victims of these hurricanes. The hurricanes have more than disrupted campaign schedules; they have forced Americans to confront the increasing reality of climate driven disasters.

As these storms grow more frequent and intense, presidential candidates will be judged not only on their economic or social policies but on their ability to respond to emergencies that affect millions of lives. In the final weeks of the campaign, voters will be evaluating which candidate is best equipped to manage future crises and rebuild shattered communities. Ultimately, while hurricanes Helene and Milton have undoubtedly shaped the closing stretch of this election, they also highlight a deeper issue: the politicisation of natural disasters.