President Joe Biden has postponed his scheduled trip to Germany and Angola this week to oversee preparations and response efforts for Hurricane Milton, as well as ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated, “Given the projected trajectory and strength of Hurricane Milton, President Biden is postponing his upcoming trip to Germany and Angola.”

Key points:

• Biden was set to depart for Berlin on Thursday, then visit Angola, returning to the U.S. on Oct. 15.
• This would have been Biden’s first trip to Africa as president.
• The president still plans to visit the affected areas before his term ends.
• Meteorologists warn about Milton’s effects, urging Florida residents in impact areas to evacuate.
• FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will be in Florida coordinating disaster response.
• FEMA officials assert they have sufficient resources for both Helene’s recovery and Milton response.

The German government expressed understanding of the situation, stating, “We very much regret the cancellation, but of course, we understand given the situation in Florida.”

Hurricane Milton is expected to land on Florida’s west coast on Wednesday, as residents are still recovering from Hurricane Helene’s recent impact.