Washington: The US on Wednesday braced for a new record-breaking hurricane that could have potentially catastrophic impact on its coast in Florida, a week after hurricane Harvey devastated major parts of Texas impacting millions of people.
US National Hurricane Center said the Category 5 hurricane Irma is expected to landfall in Florida this weekend.
It swept the Caribbean Islands on Wednesday and is expected to pass through Puerto Rico later in the day.
“A new and it seems to be record-breaking hurricane heading right toward Florida, Puerto Rico, and other places. We’ll see what happens,” US President Donald Trump told reporters in his Oval Office during a meeting with Congressional leadership.
According to an estimate by Barclay’s, the potential damage due to Hurricane Irma could be to the tune of $130 billion.
The hurricane is expected to impact millions of Floridians, including thousands of Indian-Americans who live in the State. Florida has a vibrant Indian-American population.
“Hurricane looks like largest ever recorded in the Atlantic!” Mr Trump said in a tweet.
“Watching Hurricane closely. My team, which has done, and is doing, such a good job in Texas, is already in Florida. No rest for the weary!” he said in another tweet.
Mr Trump has approved emergency declaration in the State of Florida, the territory of UD Virgin Island and Puerto Rico.
He ordered Federal assistance to supplement the response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Irma. Florida state governor Rick Scott said it is developing as a devastating major storm.
“The Florida Keys should be prepared to start feeling the effects of this storm as early as Saturday. Storm surge and extreme winds are the biggest concern right now. This storm is bigger, faster and stronger than Hurricane Andrew,” he told reporters.
Meanwhile, the state department issued a travel warning for its citizens traveling to Cuba, due to the hurricane.
