President Joe Biden has declared a state of emergency in North Carolina as the remnants of Hurricane Ian move up the coast.
“The President’s action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures,” a statement from the White House reads.
“Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures (Category B), including direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program, will be provided at 75 percent Federal funding.”
Days after Hurricane Fiona ravaged Puerto Rico, Cuba and several other areas, Hurricane Ian hit Florida and the Carolinas with winds of 150 miles per hour. The destruction of Hurricane Ian took the lives of at least 50 people across eight counties in Florida, according to officials. In North Carolina, four more people have reportedly passed away and 200,000 people have been left without power.
“The storm has passed, but many hazards remain with downed trees, downed power lines and power outages,” North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said.
“We mourn with the families of those who have died and urge everyone to be cautious while cleaning up to avoid more deaths or injuries.”
