The category 3 hurricane named Milton struck the coastline of Florida causing damage to the region estimated to be around $50 to $74 billion and killing 16 people on the way. The president stated his administration was providing all the resources needed to the state and local officials and they have since then been in regular contact.
During the address, Biden thanked first responders, those working to get back power in the region, including volunteers who are helping with the recovery efforts. As per a statement of the White House, the president will visit the hurricane affected areas tomorrow (Sunday).
Florida residents slogged through flooded streets, gathering up scattered debris while assessing the damage to their residences as the category 3 storm wrecked through the coastal communities and gave birth to a series of deadly tornadoes.
While the densely populated Tampa Bay was spared from a direct hit, there was no storm surge that was predicted by scientists. Florida’s governor Ron De Santis warned people to not let down their guard as downed power lines and standing water can still stand a risk.
As of Friday morning, about 2.2 million customers in Florida remained without power. 260000 people in St Petersburg were told to boil water before drinking, using it for cooking purposes or brushing their teeth.
Many of Florida’s residents had evacuated to adjoining areas of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. On Thursday evening, relief was sent in the form of bucket trucks, fuel tankers, portable bathroom trailers and a convoy of emergency service vehicles towards the hardest storm hit areas.
Florida’s Orlando International Airport said departures for domestic and international flights would be resumed from friday after domestic arrivals started continuing on thursday evening. Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers also reopened yesterday (Friday).
