President Joe Biden will visit Florida and Puerto Rico this week to examine storm damage and meet with leaders and locals after hurricanes hit both territories in 10 days.
On Saturday, the White House confirmed Biden's plans to visit both areas, following his earlier declaration that he intended to do so this week.
The White House announced that the president and first lady Jill Biden will go to Puerto Rico on Monday and Florida on Wednesday.
An official from the White House said that Biden will meet with families and community leaders affected by Hurricane Fiona. The US chief executive will discuss with local officials and "receive a briefing on ongoing recovery efforts," CNN reported.
On Wednesday, Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida, causing widespread destruction. Search and rescue crews are still looking for those caught by flood waters, but there is widespread concern that they will discover a catastrophic death toll. Medical experts in the state have confirmed that at least 44 people died in the catastrophe.
Over 1.1 million households and companies have no electricity on Saturday. Florida officials announced Friday that the state, with help from federal and local rescuers, had saved more than 700 lives.
On Friday, President Biden delivered a message on the ongoing relief operations for those affected by the hurricane.
Pres. Biden Assures Aid for Hurricane Victims
Biden noted that the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian is not only the State of Florida's concern. "This is an American crisis. We're all in this together," the president remarked.
"I just want the people of Florida to know: We see what you're going through and we're with you," he underscored.
Damage caused by Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico is still being assessed, but the ongoing recovery activities around Hurricane Ian risk stealing the spotlight. Two weeks after the hurricane hit the island, almost 200,000 residents still have no access to electricity.
Local community and Humanitarian organizations have voiced their displeasure with the Biden administration, citing issues such as the sluggish delivery of federal assistance to places hit by severe floods and the federal government's initial failure to include all of Puerto Rico in the disaster declaration, as per a report from Politico.
Jill and I will travel this week to Puerto Rico and Florida to meet with families and local officials who have been affected by Hurricane Fiona and Hurricane Ian.
— President Biden (@POTUS) October 2, 2022
We see what you’re going through, and we’re with you.
There is unease among some Puerto Ricans that the island's recovery will be slowed even more while the federal government focuses on repairing damage from Hurricane Ian.
Funds, Supplies for Puerto Rico Approved
On Thursday, Pres. Biden reaffirmed his dedication to Puerto Rico during a speech at FEMA, saying that he is still committed to the "recovery of the island." He has pledged to keep working on the problem for "as long as it takes."
According to VOA News, Biden will also announce $60 million in financing from the bipartisan infrastructure law approved last year to "shore up levees," reinforce flood barriers, and establish a new flood warning system that will allow Puerto Rico to become more ready for hurricanes.
A White House information sheet indicated that Biden authorized a major disaster declaration for Puerto Rico on September 21. Over 1,000 government response employees were on the ground offering assistance, while over 450 personnel of the Puerto Rico National Guard were mobilized.
Pressure on the White House resulted in a Jones Act waiver being issued by the Biden administration last week, making it possible for more diesel supply for Puerto Rico.
Read also: : Florida Governor DeSantis Warns Criminals of Consequences If They Prey on Hurricane Ian Victims
