President of the United States (US), Joe Biden, on Thursday, said, Hurricane Ian could be the “deadliest hurricane in Florida’s history”.
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| This neighbourhood in Lee County, Florida, was inundated with water and a fire also broke out. Photo: WPLG TV via ABC via REUTERS via BBC |
Biden assured that the Federal Government will provide assistance “however long it takes”, to ensure recovery in full.
After being briefed on FEMA’s disaster response at the agency’s headquarters in Washington, Biden said, “the numbers are still unclear, but we’re hearing early reports of what may be substantial loss of life.”
In different counties across the Florida State, at least, 13 lives were lost. Officials are yet to release an official statewide total of death.
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| vehicles drove along water-covered roads that looked more like rivers in Fort Myers. Photo: GettyImages via BBC |
The US President also said, “we know many families are hurting today, and our entire country hurts with them.
“My message to the people of Florida and to the country is that at times like this America comes together.
“However long it takes, we’re going to be there. That’s my commitment to you,”
Earlier Thursday, a major disaster declaration was approved for Florida by the Biden administration, making Federal funding available for nine counties affected by the Hurricane.
Biden disclosed Coast Guard has deployed 16 rescue helicopters, 6 aircrafts and 18 rescue boats alongside crews.
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| Since Hurricane Ian made landfall, search and rescue teams have been deployed. Photo: Getty Images via BBC |
On Thursday morning, the US President said he offered Governor of Florida Ron DeSantis, in a phone conversation “the fullest federal support” and told Mayors of Florida to “call me directly” if they need help.
He went ahead to warn Americans who are still in the path of Hurricane Ian, that, “the danger is real” as well as to be obedient to the warnings of emergency officials.
