really? why? we don’t have the capacity to reach these areas from land-based assets? doesn’t make any sense unless it’s truly a PR move in light of the Benghazi situation.
It has nothing to do with PR.
The helicopters have easier, faster and safer access to people stranded. Some places are hard to reach during and after a flood. Ground may not be stable for vehicles so soon. Some roads may have been washed out or bridges unsafe.
During Irene, the helicopters were used to pick up people from their roofs or isolated areas. They used the field behind my house to deposit the people who were then fed and taken care of.