Trump Cabinet meets at Camp David to discuss federal preparations for Hurricane Irma landfall
United States President Donald Trump's Cabinet met on Saturday at Camp David to discuss their preparations for Hurricane Irma, as the category-three storm is sweeping toward Florida.
Trump expressed his condolences for the victims of Irma and Harvey, which struck Texas and Louisiana earlier this month, the Hill reported.
According to reports, Irma has already killed at least 20 people in the Caribbean region.
"All of America continues, I must say, to pray for the families affected by Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, which looks like it's going to be a really bad one, but we're prepared. We're as prepared as you can be for such an event, that I can say," Trump said.
"All of America grieves for those who have already lost their lives," he added.
"The U.S. Coast Guard, FEMA and all Federal and State brave people are ready. Here comes Irma. God bless everyone!" Trump tweeted.
The U.S. Coast Guard, FEMA and all Federal and State brave people are ready. Here comes Irma. God bless everyone!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 10, 2017
Saturday evening, Irma was 100 miles southeast of Key West, with sustained winds of 125 mph. It was moving towards the west and is expected to turn north and head up the western coast of Florida, making landfall on Sunday.
States of emergency were declared in Florida, Georgia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico to prepare for Irma's landfall.
The storm is currently at category 3 strength, but weather experts have warned that it could strengthen before making landfall on the mainland.
As many as 5.6 million people have been evacuated after Irma's landfall in Cuba.
"The storm is here," Governor Rick Scott said at news conference on Saturday, noting that 25,000 people had already lost power.
He said the storm surge could reach 12 feet. "This will cover your house. You will not survive this storm surge."
Earlier, Trump's homeland security adviser Tom Bossert said that he had spoken to Pentagon and State Department officials and insisted they were prepared to tackle Irma response efforts quickly.
-ANI
First published: 10 September 2017, 10:07 IST