Biden arrives in Florida to pledge more than $600 million to help with storm and flood relief

According to ABC News, President Biden inspected the areas affected by Hurricane Milton from the air in the two cities of St. Petersburg and Tampa, Florida (USA). During the visit, Mr. Biden also announced $612 million for six projects of the US Department of Energy to help repair the damage to the power grid caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

US President Joe Biden speaks during a visit to Florida (USA) on October 13, 2024

Biden said that while the state had avoided the worst-case scenario, Milton had caused widespread devastation, submerging many neighborhoods, destroying homes and killing at least 17 people.

"These investments are part of the president's commitment to make long-term investments to protect, enhance, and upgrade the nation's electric grid, especially in the face of extreme weather events," the White House said in a statement.

Earlier, President Biden on October 12 approved a disaster declaration to free up federal funding for those affected by Milton, including grants for temporary shelters, home repairs and other loans.

During a tour of the storm-hit area on October 13, Mr. Biden said that since he signed the declaration, more than 250,000 Floridians have registered for help, a number Mr. Biden described as “the most in a single day in the history of this country.”

Mr. Biden also praised the spirit of bipartisanship in responding to natural disasters when everyone took care of each other, not as Democrats or Republicans.

In another development, US Vice President Kamala Harris criticized former President Donald Trump for spreading misinformation amid the government's efforts to overcome the consequences of the storm in the southeastern US. Ms. Harris pledged that if elected: "As president of the United States, I will focus every day on solving the problems that affect you and your families."

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ong-biden-toi-florida-cam-ket-chi-hon-600-trieu-usd-khac-phuc-bao-lu-185241014102259701.htm