In the wake of Hurricane Milton’s catastrophic impact on Florida and surrounding areas, President Joe Biden, alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, addressed the nation, expressing his heartfelt sympathy for the lives lost and property damaged by the storm. This was the third major hurricane to hit Florida in just three months, and early estimates suggest that Hurricane Milton alone may have caused up to $50 billion in damages.
During the briefing, Biden emphasized the federal government’s commitment to supporting affected communities, ensuring they have the resources to recover. He reassured residents that the government is working diligently to restore power, clear debris, and offer financial support to help them rebuild their lives.
Biden described the harrowing scenes of destruction caused by tornadoes, record-breaking rainfall, and flooding that devastated entire neighborhoods. He has personally spoken with more than 50 state and local officials across the region, including leaders in states from North Carolina down to Florida, to coordinate relief efforts. The president stressed the importance of giving hope to those affected, acknowledging the overwhelming feeling of uncertainty in the aftermath of such disasters.
A significant part of the federal response has been focused on power restoration. Hurricane Milton knocked out electricity for over 3 million people. However, thanks to the efforts of 50,000 powerline workers from 43 states and Canada, power has already been restored to 1 million residents. Biden praised these workers, highlighting their bravery and commitment, noting that they often perform dangerous tasks in remote and hazardous conditions to bring power back to communities.
In a unique demonstration of solidarity, electric utilities from across the country have sent teams to help restore power, even in areas they don’t typically serve. The president commended this spirit of mutual aid, referring to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm’s characterization of the effort as a “mini NATO” of sorts, where power companies come together in times of crisis to help one another. This collaborative response, Biden said, exemplifies the American spirit of rising to the occasion when disaster strikes.
As the recovery efforts continue, Biden assured residents that the federal government will not leave them behind. His administration remains in constant contact with local officials, coordinating relief efforts and mobilizing additional resources to meet the urgent needs of the affected areas. From power restoration to debris removal, the federal government’s immediate goal is to help communities begin to rebuild and return to normalcy.
Biden closed his remarks by reinforcing his administration’s determination to assist those in need, saying that no stone will be left unturned in the efforts to help Floridians and others impacted by Hurricane Milton recover from this unprecedented disaster.