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“Our entire country and the people of Florida are hurting,” President Joe Biden said after Hurricane Ian swept through communities across the state, cutting power and forcing people into shelters.
Mr. Biden said he would visit Florida and meet with Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis “when conditions permit.”
The president said he will also visit Puerto Rico, the U.S. territory hit by Hurricane Fiona.
“We know many families are hurting,” Mr Biden said at FEMA’s Washington headquarters, where he was briefed on the federal response.
“Our whole country is hurt by them,”
He urged those affected by Ian to take the warnings from local officials seriously to stay safe and stay indoors.
“Don’t go out unless you have to,” Mr Biden said. “The danger is real, it is obvious. Please follow all warnings and instructions from emergency officials.”
The devastation came into focus a day after Ian made landfall in Florida as one of the strongest hurricanes ever to hit the U.S.
The storm flooded homes on both sides of the state, cut off the only bridge to barrier islands, destroyed a historic waterfront pier and cut power to 2.67 million Florida homes and businesses. At least one man was confirmed dead.
Mr. Biden and Mr. DeSantis spoke again Thursday morning.
The president said he also spoke with several mayors in Florida on Thursday and conveyed a message he shared with governors about the federal government’s commitment to help clean up and rebuild: “We are here.”
“We’re going to do everything we can to give them everything they need,” Mr Biden said, adding that his instructions to them were to call him directly at the White House and explain their needs.
“They know what to do.”
Mr. Biden also spoke to the people of Puerto Rico who were cleaning up and trying to rebuild after Hurricane Fiona ravaged the U.S. island territory before Ian hit Florida on Wednesday.
“I am committed to the recovery of you and the island,” he said. “We didn’t leave.”
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