01 September 2023 , 13:58
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Relief and restoration efforts are ongoing in Florida after Hurricane Idalia ravaged the state by making a catastrophic landfall just days ago.
In a latest update, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis outlined how the power restoration will take place in the state after hundreds of thousands of people were impacted by power outages caused by disastrous wind gusts and precipitation. At present, 91,000 people remain without power, he said.
DeSantis appeared positive about the resources available to restore power, as “hundreds of polls have been reported down but we have hundreds of people working” on restoration efforts.
At least two people were left homeless after their houses were flooded by the devastating storm and are now uninhabitable. For people impacted as such, the state will provide five trailers to be installed by Horseshoe Beach, it was announced.
He also mentioned several meal distribution points where people impacted by the calamities could “get a hot meal” as infrastructure in the state was paralysed.
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Storm Idalia wreaked havoc in Florida with debris and rumbles spread everywhere (AP)The Governor noted that the state is coordinating with the private sector in the relief efforts and encouraged people to go on floridadisaster.org/updates and stay informed about all of the emergency resources available.
Several stations assisting people have been set up providing mobile showers and charging stations for those who need them, the Governor said. He noted that state representatives will carry on touring impacted areas throughout the day to evaluate the needs.
Jeanette Núñez, Lieutenant Governor of Florida echoed DeSantis’ updates adding that efforts are ongoing for the cleaning of roads and properties from debris and rumbles spread across the state by the severe weather phenomena.
(AP)She noted that search and rescue efforts are ongoing in three Florida counties: Madison, Suwannee, and Lafayette, while all others have been completed. A total of 58 out of 67 school districts of the state are up and running, DeSantis said, highlighting the need for children to return to normality.
Finally, when asked by a reporter about US President Joe Biden’s imminent visit to Florida, Governor DeSantis said that he communicated to Biden that the security apparatus this will result in could be proven disruptive to the relief efforts and that the relief efforts must continue with “no interruptions” and “unevaded”.
The White House announced previously that it will seek an additional $4 billion to address natural disasters as part of its supplemental funding request, bringing the total to $16 billion.
(CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)The Biden administration had initially requested $12 billion in extra funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's disaster relief fund, which helps with rescue and relief efforts.
But a spokesperson in the Office of Management and Budget, Shelby Wagenseller, said that the fires in Hawaii and Louisiana as well as flooding in Vermont and Hurricane Idalia striking Florida and other Southeastern states mean that a total of $16 billion is needed.
"We will apply for whatever federal money is available," DeSantis replied when asked about the decision by a reporter.
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