Joe Biden On Florida Milton Storm: Evacuation May Be Difficult, Listen To Local Officials' Directions

Lightning hit urban areas. (Unsplash-Krzysztof Kotkowicz)

JAKARTA - United States (US) President Joe Biden asked Florida residents affected by Hurricane Milton to follow safety instructions from local officials amid the disaster.

Biden expects Hurricane Milton to be one of the most destructive and worst storms to hit Florida in more than a century.

"Milton still carries tremendous damage, can destroy society, can cause loss of life," Biden said ahead of his arrival on Florida's west coast, Wednesday, October 9 local time, quoted by CBN News.

"I ask everyone on the path of Milton's storm to listen to local officials and follow all the safety instructions they provide. At this point, evacuation may be difficult, so I encourage people to find safer shelters, sometimes moving for a few miles can mean the difference between life and death," he said.

The President assured Florida residents affected by Hurricane Milton not to remain silent and continue to provide his support for rescue and recovery amid the disaster.

"We support you," he added.

Biden said his party was calculating federal assets that could be deployed in handling this storm. Including food assistance.

"There are 20 million foods and 40 million liters of water ready to be sent," he said.

Currently, he said, the Pentagon has deployed a search and rescue team, including deploying helicopters and water vehicles.

Biden is known to have postponed his trip to Germany today, Thursday, October 10, as a result of Florida residents experiencing the severe impact of Hurricane Milton.