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☆ Maui wildfires: What we know about the deadliest US fire in over a century
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( Nouran Salahieh | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

While firefighters have made progress against the three largest wildfires, the deadly fire in hard-hit Lahaina is still not fully under control, Maui County Fire Chief Brad Ventura said Saturday. Mike Blake/ReutersThe most destructive and deadly of the fires, the Lahaina wildfire, traveled at an extraordinary speed, the governor said in a video update Sunday afternoon. “When the winds rose up – winds gusting as high as 81 miles per hour – fires spread rapidly,” Green said. Lahaina is the hardest hit areaVideo Ad Feedback The Maui fires destroyed their homes. People are still missing and just 3% of area was searchedA caretaker photographs the site of a home destroyed by the Maui wildfires in Kula, Hawaii on Sunday.

Persons: CNN — Crews, what’s, Josh Green, “ It’s, Brad Ventura, Mike Blake, ” Green, “, Lori Moore, Merrell, Richard T, Bissen, Deanne Criswell, King Kamehameha III, Keith Hayashi, ” Hayashi, John Pelletier, Patrick T, Fallon, Pelletier, Mazie, Brittany Talley, Timm “ TK ” Williams, Williams, Talley, ” Talley, weren’t, we’ll, Anne Lopez, ”, Jim Kelly, ” Kelly Organizations: CNN, ”, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Maui County Fire, Maxar Technologies, FEMA, Sunday, Maui Police, National Fire Protection Association, People, Getty, Sen, Hawaiian Electric Industries, Hawaiian Electric Locations: Maui, ” Hawaii, Lahaina, Maui County, Kula, Hawaii, Lāhainā, Kula , Hawaii, AFP, Kaanapali

☆ 'Nothing can prepare you' for devastation of Hawaii wildfire, FEMA administrator says
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( Emma Kinery | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell described harrowing conditions in Maui after wildfires left at least 96 people dead, the deadliest American wildfire in over a century. "Nothing can prepare you for what I saw during my time here and nothing can prepare them for the emotional toll of the impact that this severe event has taken," Criswell told reporters at the White House Monday, speaking over video from Hawaii. She said there are more than 300 FEMA employees on the ground, who have served 50,000 meals, 75,000 liters of water and distributed 5,000 cots and 10,000 blankets. FEMA has yet to put out initial estimates of what the cost of the wildfires will be but others have placed the cost around $5.6 billion. [LINK]"It's really far too early to tell what the total cost is going to be," Criswell said.

Persons: Deanne Criswell, Criswell Organizations: White, FEMA Locations: Maui, Hawaii

☆ FEMA Outlines Maui Wildfire Support as Victims Critique Government Response
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( Eileen Sullivan | More About Eileen Sullivan | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

“We understand that connectivity is still scarce in some areas,” Deanne Criswell, the FEMA administrator and one of about 300 agency employees on the ground in Hawaii, told reporters on Monday. There are questions about whether wildfire warnings were loud enough and early enough and whether government officials were adequately prepared to deal with the fires. FEMA is typically the first agency to face intense scrutiny after disasters. It is most often associated with its role responding to hurricanes, particularly because of its history of bungled reactions to previous disasters. While the federal agency plays a critical role in disaster response, it is not meant to be the first on the scene.

Persons: Deanne Criswell, Andrew, Hurricane, Hurricane Maria Organizations: FEMA, Hurricane, Defense Department Locations: Hawaii, Lahaina, Florida, Orleans, Puerto Rico

KAHULUI, Hawaii, Aug 13 (Reuters) - Hawaii Governor Josh Green on Sunday called a part of the island of Maui that was devastated by wildfires a "war zone," as the death toll reached 93 and was expected to keep climbing. "We're at 93 (victims) now ... it's a war zone, but the help is incredible." The death toll made the blaze Hawaii's worst natural disaster, surpassing a tsunami that killed 61 people in 1960, a year after Hawaii became a U.S. state. [1/2]The shells of burned houses and buildings are left after wildfires driven by high winds burned across most of the town in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, U.S. August 11, 2023. Reuters Graphics'TOO GRIM'Authorities began allowing residents back into west Maui on Friday, although the fire zone in Lahaina remained barricaded.

Persons: Josh Green, Green, We'll, Joe Biden, Deanne Criswell, we've, a.m, Mike Blake, Marco Garcia, David Ljunggren, Jorge Garcia, Sandra Stojanovic, Maria Caspani, Joseph Ax, Daniel Wallis, Raju Gopalakrishnan, William Mallard, Paul Simao Organizations: MSNBC, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Sunday, National Fire Protection Association, Officials, Hawai'i Department of Land, Natural Resources, Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, Reuters Graphics, Authorities, Facebook, Thomson Locations: KAHULUI, Hawaii, Maui, Lahaina, obliterating, it's, U.S, Paradise , California, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Maui County, Kula, Kahului, Honolulu , Hawaii

☆ Maui wildfires: Crews still working to identify 93 victims found so far in deadliest US fire in over a century
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-13 | by ( Nouran Salahieh | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +14 min

Matthew Thayer/The Maui News/AP Volunteers unload supplies from trucks before loading them onto boats for people in need at Kihei Ramp in Maui, Hawaii, on Saturday, August 12. Rick Bowmer/AP Grace Hurt, right, embraces someone while loading supplies for those in need at Kihei Ramp in Maui, Hawaii, on Saturday. Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources/AP Burnt boats sit in waters off of Lahaina, Hawaii, on Friday. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images In an aerial view, search and rescue crews walk through a neighborhood, continuing to search for missing people in Lahaina, Hawaii, on Friday. Phonoxaylinkham, his wife, and their five children were caught in the Lahaina wildfires and survived by exiting their car and spending four hours in the ocean as the west Maui wildfires raged around them.

Persons: Josh Green, “ It’s, Dora, We’ve, ” Green, ”, John Pelletier, Deanne Criswell, Green, Brad Ventura, Kihei –, •, Anne Lopez, ” Lopez, Matthew Thayer, Evelio Contreras, Rick Bowmer, Grace Hurt, Hurt, Justin Sullivan, Mike Blake, Zoltan Balogh, Zeran Harris, Robert Gauthier, Mengshin Lin, CNN Vixay Phonxaylinkham, Lana, Phonoxaylinkham, Marco Garcia, Claire Rush, Myrna Ah Hee, Sui, Ty O'Neil, Ku'u Kauanoe, ZUMA, Patrick T, Fallon, Dustin Johnson, “, who’ve, Ilihia Gionson, Gionson, –, Steven, Giulietta Daiker, ” Steven, ” Giulietta, “ We’re, Richard Bissen Jr Organizations: CNN, National Fire Protection Association, ”, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Maui Police, FEMA, Maui County Fire, • Cell, Maui News, AP Volunteers, Hawaii Department of Land, Natural Resources, Reuters, . Hawaii Department of Land, Los Angeles Times, AP, Washington Post, Fire Department, Kahului, Technologies, AP Hawaii Army National Guard, Hawaii National Guard, Reuters Residents, ZUMA Passengers, Getty, National Guard, Department of Health, Human Services, Pacific Whale Foundation, Ritz, Carlton, Hawaii Department, Transportation, Saturday, Volunteers, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Lahaina Residents Locations: Maui, ” Hawaii, Maui County, Lahaina, Kihei, Upcountry, Hawaii, Church, Lahaina Hongwanji, Lahaina , Hawaii, Wailuku, Kula, Waiola, Kula , Hawaii, Maalaea, Kahului, California, Las Vegas, AFP, Kapalua, Lahaina –, Hawaiian

☆ Maui wildfires: Firefighting crews make progress against wildfires that killed at least 80 people, but flare-ups continue
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-12 | by ( Aya Elamroussi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

People in Kaanapali were evacuating Friday night after spotting a fire in the neighborhood, which is about 4 miles north of hard-hit Lahaina, Maui police said. The hall of the historic Waiola Church and the nearby Lahaina Hongwanji Mission are engulfed in flames in Lahaina, Hawaii, on Tuesday, August 8. Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources/AP Burnt boats sit in waters off of Lahaina, Hawaii, on Friday. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images In an aerial view, search and rescue crews walk through a neighborhood, continuing to search for missing people in Lahaina, Hawaii, on Friday. Phonoxaylinkham, his wife, and their five children were caught in the Lahaina wildfires and survived by exiting their car and spending four hours in the ocean as the west Maui wildfires raged around them.

Persons: Dora, Kihei –, Rick Bowmer, Richard Bissen, Josh Green, ”, Deanne Criswell, It’s, Anne Lopez, ” Lopez, Matthew Thayer, Mike Blake, Justin Sullivan, Zoltan Balogh, Zeran Harris, Robert Gauthier, Mengshin Lin, Evelio Contreras, CNN Vixay Phonxaylinkham, Lana, Phonoxaylinkham, Marco Garcia, Claire Rush, Myrna Ah Hee, Sui, Ty O'Neil, Ku'u Kauanoe, ZUMA, Patrick T, Fallon, Dustin Johnson, it’s, ” Steve Dolan, “, anything’s, what’s Organizations: CNN — Firefighters, Hawaii Gov, CNN, “, FEMA, Maui Police, Hawaii News, Maui News, Hawaii Department of Land, Natural Resources, . Hawaii Department of Land, Reuters, Los Angeles Times, AP, Washington Post, Kahului, Technologies, AP Hawaii Army National Guard, Hawaii National Guard, Reuters Residents, ZUMA Passengers, Getty Locations: Maui, Lahaina, Hawaii, Kaanapali, Maui County, Kihei, Upcountry, Lahaina , Hawaii, Upper Kula, Church, Lahaina Hongwanji, Kula, Waiola, Wailuku, Kula , Hawaii, Maalaea, Kahului, California, Las Vegas, AFP

☆ Hawaii wildfire death toll rises to 55, historic capital Lahaina 'reduced to ashes'
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-11 | by ( Spencer Kimball | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

At least 55 people are dead after devastating wildfires ripped through Hawaii's second-largest island, Maui, county officials confirmed late Thursday local time. The blaze has reduced the historic town of Lahaina to ashes, said Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz, who surveyed the damage. The fire in Lahaina has been 80% contained but remains active, according to an update Thursday from Maui County officials. Lahaina was the capital of Hawaii when the islands were an independent kingdom. Dozens of travelers wait in line to pass security at Kahului Airport in Kahului, Hawaii, on Aug. 10, 2023.

Persons: Hawaii Sen, Brian Schatz, King Kamehameha I, we're, " Schatz, Josh Green, Puong Sui, Lin, Green, Joe Biden, Biden, Deanne, Criswell, Mengshin Lin Organizations: Hawaii Gov, Washington Post, Getty, Emergency Management, NPR, Kahului Locations: Maui, Lahaina, Hawaii, Maui County, West Maui, Puong, Kahului

☆ Maui wildfires have killed at least 55 people and displaced thousands.
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-11 | by ( Aya Elamroussi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Maui County officials confirmed the additional two deaths in a news release late Thursday Hawaiian time, which is six hours behind the Eastern timezone. Live updates: Deadly wildfires burn across MauiHere’s the latest:• Thousands are displaced: Roughly 1,400 people slept at an airport Wednesday night. And more than 1,300 residents and tourists stayed in emergency shelters before many of them were taken to the airport to leave the island, Maui County officials said. • Resources sent to Maui: President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration to provide federal funding for recovery costs in Maui County. The fires have damaged or destroyed hundreds of structures in Maui County, local officials estimate.

Persons: “, Josh Green, Richard T, Bissen Jr, John Pelletier, ” Pelletier, Green, ” Green, Evelio Contreras, Bill Weir, ”, Deanne Criswell, ” •, Fire Chief Bradford Ventura, we’ve, they’re, Gov, Sylvia Luke, Joe Biden, Wedelin, Lee, Bissen, Brad Ventura Organizations: CNN, Police, FEMA, Fire Chief, • Resources, Army National Guard, Air National Guard Locations: Maui, Lahaina, Maui County, Hawaii, “, United States, Paradise , California, Maui County . California, Lahaina , Hawaii

☆ Hawaii wildfires: Biden vows immediate aid, deploys military to assist victims
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-10 | by ( Spencer Kimball | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

President Joe Biden on Thursday vowed immediate assistance for Maui residents who have lost loved ones and their homes in devastating wildfires that have taken at least 36 lives. "Anyone who's lost a loved one, whose home has been damaged or destroyed, is going to get help immediately," Biden said. The president has ordered the military to the island to help fight the blaze and evacuate people out of harms way. The Marines are providing Black Hawk helicopters to help fight the fires. The U.S. Department of Transportation is also working with commercial airlines to help evacuate tourists from Maui.

Persons: Joe Biden, Biden, who's, Josh Green, Deanne Organizations: Hawaii Gov, Army, U.S, Marines, NBC News, U.S . Department of Transportation, Maui ., Maui . United Airlines, Kahului Locations: Kihei, Maui County, Hawaii, U.S, Maui, Lahaina, Utah, Maui . United

US President Joe Biden speaks on how "Bidenomics" is helping clean energy and manufacturing, at Arcosa Wind Towers in Belen, New Mexico, on August 9, 2023. WASHINGTON — The White House unveiled a nearly $40 billion supplemental funding request on Thursday to provide additional aid to Ukraine and respond to natural disasters, including wildland firefighter pay and border management. The White House is seeking $12 billion for ongoing disaster relief, $60 million to cover pay increases for firefighters and $3.9 billion to address border and migration issues. President Joe Biden said FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell would be on Maui by Friday, but he warned the danger is "not over yet." Biden's request also seeks over $24 billion in additional funding for Ukraine's slow-moving defense against Russia's illegal invasion.

Persons: Joe Biden, WASHINGTON —, Deanne Organizations: WASHINGTON, FEMA, Kyiv's Locations: Belen , New Mexico, Ukraine, Hawaii, Maui, U.S

☆ Extreme heat is the deadliest natural disaster. FEMA can’t treat it like one
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-08 | by ( Ella Nilsen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —Extreme heat is far deadlier than other natural disasters, killing on average more than twice as many people each year as hurricanes and tornadoes combined, according to data tracked by the National Weather Service. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego recently told Biden the city’s extreme heat is a “long-term emergency.” But it can’t get FEMA federal assistance unless Congress amends the Stafford Act – something some Western lawmakers are pushing for. “Just because we don’t necessarily have the authorities right now in the Stafford Act, that doesn’t mean we’re sitting idly by,” Criswell said. “Right now, FEMA doesn’t treat extreme heat in the same way as it does other disasters because it can’t,” Juanita Constible, senior climate and health advocate for the Natural Resources Defense Council, told CNN. “Adding it to that official list from Congress would clarify FEMA’s role in addressing heat,” Keith said.

Persons: Joe Biden, Kate Gallego, Biden, Ladd Keith, Deanne Criswell, ” Criswell, ” Juanita Constible, Gallego, Stafford, “, ” Gallego, –, Ruben Gallego, hasn’t, ” Keith, Keith, Constible, ” Constible, there’s, ” Organizations: CNN, National Weather Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, Phoenix, University of Arizona, “, Washington Post, Natural Resources Defense Council, Democratic Rep, Rep, Department of Labor Locations: Stafford, Chicago, Pacific, Ruben Gallego of Arizona, Arizona, Maricopa County, Phoenix, San Antonio

☆ Climate-change safe havens can still get hit hard. Vermont's flooding is a reminder.
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-13 | by ( Catherine Boudreau | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

As the water recedes, officials said the storm shows an ongoing need to adapt to the climate crisis. It was the highest level in nearly a century, when the river reached 27 feet during the Great Vermont Flood of 1927, according to local officials . Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets via APEven as water levels recede, more rain is expected on Thursday and Friday. Some residents said the flooding was worse than Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, which at the time seemed like an anomaly in the state. About 18% of properties in Vermont are at significant risk of flooding over the next 30 years, predicts First Street Foundation .

Persons: Justin Michaels, Phil Scott, Irene Organizations: Service, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, AP, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Foundation, FEMA Locations: Vermont, Wall, Silicon, Montpelier, Waterbury, Ludlow, Montpelier , Vermont

President Joe Biden will visit parts of California on Thursday to view areas affected by severe storms and assess additional federal support needed for recovery efforts. The president will survey areas of Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties along the state’s central coast, where recent storms caused floods and landslides. Deanne Criswell, the administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, will travel with Biden, who will also meet with Gov. The declaration provides federal support for debris removal, emergency protective measures and individual assistance for homes that have been damaged by the storms. California was battered by a series of storms since late December, leaving at least 21 people dead, according to an NBC News tally.

[1/3] People walk along a rocky beach caused by high surf following winter storms in San Diego, California, U.S., January 17, 2023. The White House said Biden, who on Saturday authorized federal disaster assistance for three hard-hit counties in northern and central California, would be joined by Governor Gavin Newsom and other elected officials. Twisted wreckage of wooden piers torn up along the waterfronts at both locations vividly illustrated the storms' destructive force. The high winds wreaked havoc on the state's power grid, knocking out electricity to tens of thousands of Californians. Reporting by Jeff Mason in Washington; Additional reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt and Katherine Jackson in Washington; Writing by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles.

☆ Biden heads to California to survey damage from severe storms
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-19 | by ( Summer Concepcion | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

US President Joe Biden disembark from Air Force One on his arrival at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek on May 20, 2022. President Joe Biden on Thursday will visit parts of California to view areas affected by severe storms and assess additional federal support needed for recovery efforts. The president will survey areas of Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties along the state's central coast, where recent storms caused floods and landslides. Biden is set to meet with first responders, state and local officials, and communities affected by the devastation. He has remained in contact with Newsom and other local officials.

☆ As climate change makes wildfires worse, FEMA faced with calls to change
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-19 | by ( Sharon Bernstein | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

Building at the bottom of a hill would keep the station from experiencing the worst fires, which tend to run uphill. But Mayor Chris Rogers says the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) denied funding in part due to rules designed to protect infrastructure harmed in storms from flood damage, saying the proposed new location was in a flood zone. Devastating fires in Santa Rosa and communities elsewhere in California led survivors to press for changes in the way the agency handles wildfires. In Santa Rosa, a midsized city about 55 miles north of San Francisco, the Tubbs Fire in 2017 raced through established suburban areas, jumping six lanes of highway, destroying homes. But without help from FEMA, it has taken a while to put together rebuilding resources, Rogers said.

While going through a costly divorce earlier this year, Cavanaugh's flood insurance coverage lapsed. Many people in the small coastal community, which faces the Gulf of Mexico southwest of Fort Myers, did not have flood insurance coverage. It appears that, despite an increased occurrence of devastating flood events, a declining percentage of people nationwide have flood insurance policies. Chuck Larsen / SantivaChronicle.com via APOne significant issue is that many homeowners assume a typical homeowner's insurance policy covers floods. The average cost of flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program is $995 a year, according to Forbes Advisor analysis.

☆ FEMA chief: damages from Hurricane Ian to be catastrophic
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

WASHINGTON, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Damages from Hurricane Ian will be catastrophic and the Federal Emergency Management Agency is preparing for potentially thousands of people to be displaced in the long-term, the director of the agency said on Thursday. "I don't think that we can quantify it yet," FEMA Director Deanne Criswell told CNN when asked about damages from the storm. "But I can tell you that it is going to be catastrophic." Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Raissa KasolowskyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Share this -Link copiedFloridians are livestreaming Hurricane Ian on TikTok Floridians are giving TikTok users a front-row seat to Hurricane Ian. Storm surge map, they didn’t have a color for 12 to 15 feet," he said about the historic levels of storm surge expected near where Ian is expected to make landfall. Share this -Link copiedA view of Hurricane Ian from the International Space Station A view of Hurricane Ian from the International Space Station, on Monday. Share this -Link copiedSatellite images show Hurricane Ian approaching Florida Hurricane Ian over the Gulf of Mexico early Wednesday. Share this -Link copiedIan expected to strengthen until making landfall, officials say Hurricane Ian is still forecast to strengthen until the hurricane makes landfall in Florida, the National Hurricane Center said.

Storm surge map, they didn’t have a color for 12 to 15 feet," he said about the historic levels of storm surge expected near where Ian is expected to make landfall. Share this -Link copiedA view of Hurricane Ian from the International Space Station A view of Hurricane Ian from the International Space Station, on Monday. “We are extremely concerned about the potential impacts Hurricane Ian may have on phosphate facilities around the state,” Whitlock added. Share this -Link copiedIan strengthens into Category 4 storm Hurricane Ian has strengthened into a Category 4 storm as it advances upon Florida's west coast. Share this -Link copiedSatellite images show Hurricane Ian approaching Florida Hurricane Ian over the Gulf of Mexico early Wednesday.

☆ Hurricane Ian strengthens as millions urged to evacuate Florida Gulf Coast
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-28 | by ( Brad Brooks | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +8 min

By late Tuesday night, tropical storm-force winds generated by Ian extended through the Florida Keys island chain to the southernmost shores of the state's Gulf Coast, the NHC said. U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency chief Deanne Criswell said she worried that too few Florida residents were taking the threat seriously. 1/6 A hurricane evacuation route sign is displayed as Hurricane Ian spins toward the state carrying high winds, torrential rains and a powerful storm surge, in Punta Gorda, Florida, U.S. September 27, 2022. If Ian strikes the Tampa area, it would be the first hurricane to make landfall there since the 1921 Tarpon Springs storm. But officials said Hurricane Ian had proven too much, knocking out power even in far eastern Cuba, which was largely unaffected by the storm.

☆ White House, FEMA urge Floridians to listen to local officials, evacuate if asked as Hurricane Ian approaches
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-27 | by ( Emma Kinery | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell on Tuesday urged Floridians not to underestimate Hurricane Ian and listen to local officials as the now Category 3 storm approaches the coast. The National Hurricane Center upgraded Hurricane Ian to a Category 3 storm Tuesday morning, which means it could bring winds of up to 125 miles per hour. Hurricane Ian is currently expected to make landfall "somewhere between Fort Myers and Tampa," Criswell said. FEMA's biggest concern is storm surge, Criswell said. Five people died as a result of storm surge in Florida in 2018's Hurricane Michael.

☆ Biden has called three Florida mayors — but not Gov. Ron DeSantis — to talk about Hurricane Ian
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-27 | by ( Kimberly Leonard | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The federal government is providing aid, but Biden hasn't called DeSantis. Ron DeSantis of Florida about the state's forthcoming hurricane. Criswell on Tuesday repeatedly dodged questions about why Biden hadn't called DeSantis, instead stressing that FEMA worked quickly to support Florida. Presidents and governors typically hold a phone call at a time of natural disasters so presidents can offer federal support and bipartisanship. DeSantis said Sunday that the Biden administration had been supportive regarding hurricane preparation measures.

☆ Gov. Ron DeSantis says 'my phone line is open' if Biden wants to call about Hurricane Ian: 'We don't have time for pettiness'
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-27 | by ( Kimberly Leonard | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Email address By clicking ‘Sign up’, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider as well as other partner offers and accept our Terms of Service and Privacy PolicyMIAMI, Florida — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Tuesday that he would be receptive to a phone call from President Joe Biden about the Hurricane Ian as it closes in on his state. The White House confirmed earlier in the day that Biden hadn't called, but repeatedly dodged questions about why. Biden raised the calls during an event in the White House the Rose Garden but did not mention DeSantis. It's possible he will challenge Biden for president in 2024, particularly if former President Donald Trump doesn't seek the White House again.

☆ Biden assures Florida mayors of federal help as Hurricane Ian nears
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-27 | by ( Steve Holland | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

WASHINGTON, Sept 27 (Reuters) - President Joe Biden has called mayors in three Florida cities as Hurricane Ian nears the state to assure them federal support is pre-positioned to deploy food, shelter and help after the storm passes. Biden also told the mayors it was important to encourage residents to heed evacuation orders, according to a read out of the call provided by the White House. FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell said the agency is most concerned about storm surges and the slow pace of the storm, which could batter Florida's west coast for a sustained period. The Category 3 hurricane slammed into western Cuba on Tuesday, forcing evacuations, cutting power to nearly 1 million people and tearing roofs off homes as it tracked northward toward Florida, where residents anxiously await the sprawling storm. The U.S. government already has in place 128,000 gallons of fuel, 300 Army Corp of Engineer personnel, 3.7 million meals and over 3 million gallons of water, 29 Red Cross shelters, 200 ambulances and four medical teams, Criswell said.

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