On September 18, 2023, Hurricane Fiona made landfall in Puerto Rico as a Category 1 hurricane. The storm caused widespread damage to the island, including power outages, flooding, and landslides. Over 800,000 people were left without power, and many lost their homes and belongings.

Hurricane Fiona’s impact on Puerto Rico

Hurricane Fiona’s impact on Puerto Rico was devastating. The storm caused widespread damage to the island’s infrastructure, including its power grid, roads, and bridges. Many communities were isolated by flooding and landslides, making it difficult to deliver aid and assistance.

The storm also had a devastating impact on Puerto Rico’s economy. Many businesses were closed, and workers were unable to work. The storm also damaged the island’s agricultural sector, which is a major source of income for many Puerto Ricans.

President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden’s visit to Puerto Rico

On October 3, 2023, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden visited Puerto Rico to assess the damage from Hurricane Fiona and meet with survivors. The Bidens landed in the southern city of Ponce, one of the hardest-hit communities. They toured a neighborhood that had been devastated by flooding and met with residents who had lost their homes and belongings.

“We came here in person to show that we’re with you,” President Biden said. “All of America is with you as you receive and recover and rebuild.”

The Bidens also met with local officials and emergency responders to discuss the recovery effort. The President announced that the federal government would provide $60 million in additional funding to help Puerto Rico recover from the storm.

We’re going to stay with you for as long as it takes,” President Biden said. “We’re going to help you rebuild your homes, your businesses, your schools, and your communities.”

The Bidens’ message to the people of Puerto Rico

President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden’s message to the people of Puerto Rico was clear: the American people are with you, and we will stay with you for as long as it takes to recover from Hurricane Fiona.

“We know that the road to recovery will be long and difficult,” President Biden said. “But we will be there with you every step of the way.”

First Lady Jill Biden also spoke to the people of Puerto Rico, offering her support and condolences.

“My heart is with all of you,” First Lady Biden said. “I know that this is a difficult time, but we will get through this together.”

The federal government’s commitment to Puerto Rico’s recovery

The federal government has committed to helping Puerto Rico recover from Hurricane Fiona. The President has appointed a special envoy to oversee the recovery effort and has increased federal funding for the island.

In addition to the $60 million in new funding, the federal government has already provided Puerto Rico with over $5 billion in aid since Hurricane Fiona struck. The aid is being used to help with disaster relief efforts, including debris removal, repairs to infrastructure, and assistance to businesses and homeowners.

The federal government is also working with the government of Puerto Rico to develop a long-term recovery plan. The plan will focus on rebuilding Puerto Rico’s infrastructure and economy, and making the island more resilient to future storms.