US President Joe Biden visits Florida to take stock of damage caused by Hurricane Ian, promises federal support

Washington: US President Joe Biden on Wednesday visited Florida to take stock of the damage caused by Hurricane Ian. He was accompanied by First Lady Jill Biden. Biden boarded a helicopter at Fort Myers for an aerial inspection, reported AFP.

The US President also met Florida Governor Ron DeSantis during his visit. Biden promised to provide federal support for recovery from the devastation caused by the hurricane. Notably, DeSantis is the potential Republican presidential rival of Biden.

As per US authorities, at least 76 people lost their lives due to the hurricane. However, media reports suggest that over 100 people died in hurricane-related incidents. Power was also knocked out in several areas of Florida.

On Tuesday, around 400,000 homes and businesses remained without power in the US state, reported Reuters. Biden was reportedly in regular communication with DeSantis after Hurricane Ian wreaked havoc in Florida.

Also Read: After Florida, Hurricane Ian delivers blow to South Carolina.

"It's going to take a lot, a lot of time. Not weeks or months - it's going to take years for everything to get squared away in the state of Florida, to fully recover and rebuild," the US President said as quoted by Reuters. Biden also appreciated the Florida Governor for carrying out relief efforts. He said that DeSantis had done a good job. The Category 4 storm made landfall in Florida on October 1. It also wreaked havoc in South Carolina.

Notably, DeSantis had earlier criticised Biden over various issues, including COVID-19 vaccines, climate change, LGBTQ rights and abortion. Rick Scott, another right-wing Florida Republican, was also present for the visit by the US President. Earlier on Monday, Biden also visited Puerto Rico to take stock of damage caused by Hurricane Fiona.