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Biden OKs disaster funds for Florida amid Hurricane Ian
President Biden approved federal disaster funds for nine Florida counties in the wake of Hurricane Ian, the White House said on Thursday, adding that more areas could be approved later as officials evaluate the damage following the storm.
"Damage assessments are continuing in other areas, and additional areas may be designated for assistance after the assessments are fully completed," the White House said in a statement ahead of Biden's visit to FEMA headquarters later on Thursday for an updated briefing on the storm.
Last edited by Spunky (9/30/2022 7:07 pm)
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Re: Biden OKs disaster funds for Florida amid Hurricane Ian
At least 42 deaths have been reported in the state.
Homes on the coast were washed out to sea, buildings were smashed throughout the state, and floodwater ruined homes and businesses and trapped residents, even inland in places like the Orlando area.
Hundreds of rescues have taken place by land, air and sea, with residents stuck in homes or stranded on rooftops, and searchers have made many wellness checks, especially in the Fort Myers and Naples areas, where a storm surge inundated streets and homes.
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Re: Biden OKs disaster funds for Florida amid Hurricane Ian
Biden said that he plans to visit Florida to observe recovery efforts, which are expected to grow in the coming days.
Ian, which started out as a Category 4 storm, slammed into southwest Florida late Wednesday with 150 mph winds. Homes were ripped from their foundations, streets flooded, and power was cut to 2.5 million people.
Rescuers rushed to reach trapped residents as flood waters remained life-threatening throughout much of the Sunshine State Thursday.
The 77 confirmed storm-related deaths were recorded in Florida and North Carolina, according to a tally by state officials.
And with rescue efforts ongoing and the floodwater receding in places littered with wrecked homes, local officials warned the death toll could still rise.
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