United States declares emergency in Florida due to Tropical Storm Ian

U.S. President Joe Biden has approved Saturday the declaration of emergency in Florida for state teams to join local and tribal efforts in the face of Tropical Storm Ian that has been hitting the state since Friday 23.

“The President’s action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts intended to alleviate hardship and suffering caused by the emergency and to provide appropriate assistance as required,” the White House said in a statement.

These emergency measures are authorized by Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in at least 25 counties and the Miccosukee and Seminole Indian tribes.

The FEMA Department becomes authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. In addition, it has been announced that these actions under the Public Assistance program will be 75 percent federally funded.

Biden’s trip to Florida on September 27 will also be postponed due to this tropical storm, as announced by the White House.