Biden Paints Bleak Picture in Ian’s Aftermath

WASHINGTON — President Biden painted a bleak and unsure image of the devastation attributable to Hurricane Ian, saying Thursday that early stories point out “what could also be substantial lack of life” within the state.

Talking at FEMA headquarters after a briefing on the hurricane, Mr. Biden stated that the “numbers are nonetheless unclear” relating to the quantity of people that may need been killed by the storm. He stated federal companies are serving to state and native officers assess harm and rescue stranded folks.

“At instances like this, America comes collectively,” Mr. Biden informed reporters after the briefing. “We’re going to drag collectively as one staff, as one America.”

Mr. Biden stated that he plans to go to Florida to thank emergency employees and test in on the progress of rebuilding. However he stated he would wait till his journey wouldn’t interrupt rescue and restoration efforts.

The president described a big federal response to the hurricane, and stated that his designation of Florida as a serious catastrophe space would enable residents of affected areas to request as much as $37,900 towards dwelling repairs and one other $37,900 for lack of objects reminiscent of automobiles, wedding ceremony rings, or different private property.

Requested about his usually frosty relationship with Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, a Republican who is taken into account a possible candidate for president in 2024, Mr. Biden stated the query was irrelevant.

“He complimented me. He thanked me for the fast response we had,” Mr. Biden stated of the governor, and stated the 2 of them have spoken a number of instances over the previous few days. He added that “this isn’t about something having to do with our disagreements politically. That is about saving folks’s lives, properties and companies.”

Mr. Biden stated that the federal authorities would assist to construct Florida again, “nonetheless lengthy it takes. We’re going to be there. That’s my dedication to you.”