President Biden has deferred his impending diplomatic visits to Germany and Angola due to the imminent threat of Hurricane Milton to Florida, according to an announcement from the White House on Tuesday.
"President Biden is postponing his upcoming trip to Germany and Angola in order to oversee preparations for and the response to Hurricane Milton, in addition to the ongoing response to the impacts of Hurricane Helene across the Southeast," stated press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, as reported by The Hill. The President's itinerary had initially included a departure for Berlin this Thursday, with an expected return on October 15. The trip was designed to facilitate discussions with German leaders, particularly focusing on their support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict.
Following his visit to Germany, President Biden was slated to proceed to Luanda, Angola on October 13 to engage with President Joo Loureno. However, the looming threat of Hurricane Milton, anticipated to strike Florida's west coast on Wednesday night as a Category 3 hurricane, has necessitated a change in plans. The Associated Press has reported that the hurricane, with expected winds of 111-129 mph, could be the first major hurricane to directly impact the Tampa area in over a century.
The President has been actively involved in coordinating the federal response to Hurricane Helene, which has already affected several states, including North Carolina and Georgia. On Tuesday morning, President Biden received a briefing on the federal government's response to Hurricane Helene and the preparations for Hurricane Milton. He is expected to deliver remarks on both hurricanes, demonstrating his commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of those in the path of these natural disasters.
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