Kamala
Harris, the Vice President of the United States, came in for heavy criticism
after she said that aid for Hurricane Ian will be based on principles of equity
with communities of colour being prioritised. Harris, 57, was speaking to actor
Priyanka Chopra at the Women’s Leadership Forum organised by the Democratic
National Committee.

“We have to
address this is a way that is about giving resources based on equity,” Vice
President Harris said speaking on aid following Hurricane Ian which has caused
severe devastation in Florida and neighbouring parts, including North and South
Carolina.

“…understanding
that we fight for equality, but we also need to fight for equality,” Harris
said.

“If we want
people to be in an equal place sometimes we need to take into account those
disparities and do that work,” she added.

In pictures: The destruction caused by Hurricane Ian

The Vice
President’s comments immediately came in from criticism. Christina Pushaw,
rapid response director for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said: “This is false.
@VP’s rhetoric is causing undue panic and must be clarified. FEMA Individual
Assistance is already available to all Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian,
regardless of race or background.”

Elon Musk,
the Tesla CEO and the world’s wealthiest man, tweeted that aid should be
distributed according to need, not race or anything else.

Also Read | Biden says “substantial loss of life possible” as Ian heads to South Carolina

In Florida,
Hurricane Ian has led to hours-long power outages. Long queues have formed
outside gas stations. According to an Associated Press report, 27 people died in
the hurricane in Florida. Most deaths were caused by drowning while there were
some caused by the aftermath.

Harris’
interaction with Priyanka Chopra also touched upon several issues crucial to
the Democrats in the upcoming midterm elections, including abortion. Abortion
is a hot topic going into the polls after the United States Supreme Court
overturned its 1973 Roe v. Wade judgement and left it to states to make laws on
abortion.