White House Responds to Hurricane Ian

Hurricane Ian slammed the south coast on Wednesday, leaving millions without power (Mick Haupt/Unsplash).

Biden stressed that he is working with all leaders, both Democrats and Republicans, to get things done and help people affected by Ian’s path.

Article by Cate McCusker, Senior White House Correspondent

WASHINGTON - On Wednesday, Hurricane Ian strengthened into a Category 4 storm before hitting Florida. The storm devastated the southwest coast, with extreme flooding and maximum sustained winds hitting 150 mph. By that evening, more than two million people lost power.

First responders rescued more than 1,600 people left along Hurricane Ian’s path since last week, Governor Ron Desantis’ office said Sunday. The hurricane death toll now sits at 101.

“It’s not just a crisis for Florida,” said President Joe Biden on Friday afternoon. “This is an American crisis. We’re all in this together.”

Biden boasted the work he did before the hurricane hit and noted how that helped residents.

“At my direction, we pre-deployed the largest team of search and rescue experts in recent history, because so many of the rescuers need to be there in place now, in the water now,” Biden said. “And the United States Coast Guard has been deployed as well — 6 fixed-wing aircraft, 18 rescue boats and crews, 16 rescue helicopters, which were in the air all day yesterday and are at it again today.”

Biden stressed that he is working with all leaders, both Democrats and Republicans, to get things done and help people affected by Ian’s path.

“Last night, I received a request for an emergency declaration from Governor McMaster, which I approved right away, just as I did for Florida,” he said. “This allows for immediate federal funding for the state to shelter people and provide other essential support.”

He urged residents to listen to the warnings and directions by local officials, to make sure everyone stays as safe as possible.

Biden said that his heart is with the people impacted by the storm.

“And our hearts go out to all those folks whose lives have been absolutely devastated by this storm,” he said. “America’s heart is literally breaking, just watching people — watching it on television.”

“I just want the people of Florida to know we see what you’re going through, and we’re with you. We’re going to do everything we can for you.”