President Joe Biden said the destruction caused by Hurricane Ian in Florida is likely to rank among the worst in U.S. history and pledged aid “for as long as it takes.”
The storm, which made landfall in Florida on Wednesday, has caused at least 30 deaths in the state, according to Associated Press. Almost 1.8 million homes and businesses remain without power and Lee County, the hardest-hit area, has no running water. Homes, bridges and other infrastructure are in ruin, with damage estimates ranging from $68 billion to $100 billion.
The emergency declaration Biden issued for Florida will help cover the cost of personnel and assist in setting up disaster centers and shelters across the state.
