The landfall of Hurricane Ian through the state of Florida has, so far, left more than twenty people dead. The combination of strong winds, rain and flooding has destroyed homes, roads, electrical infrastructure and bridges connecting cities to some islands. Losses are estimated at more than $100 billion and authorities have announced "historic" damage.
Fort Myers Beach pier and nearby restaurants and structures have been destroyed. pic.twitter.com/LZuB2Q090M
- Moshe Schwartz (@YWNReporter) September 29, 2022
Ian's passage through Florida
On Wednesday, at 15:05 local time, Ian made landfall with winds of 150 mph in Cayo Costa, near cities such as Fort Myers, Sarasota and Tampa which were the hardest hit. Ian is already classified as a category 4 hurricane. It made its way through part of the state and left a devastation of destroyed infrastructure. The power grid was affected with more than 2.6 million homes without electricity.
Governor Ron DeSantis reported approximately 700 rescues by the more than 30,000 emergency services personnel working around the clock aided by helicopters in areas inaccessible by road. The city of Fort Myers, with a population of 83,500, is considered to be the hardest hit so far.
Fort Myers: a paradise turned to ruins by Hurricane Ian (Photos and videos) https://t.co/UVl7UTqgYx pic.twitter.com/5C1B45v4US
- AlbertoRodNews (@AlbertoRodNews) September 30, 2022
Numerous boats were seen piled up against each other on the coasts after being swept away by the wind, rain and strong waves.
Historical damage
The National Hurricane Center (CNH) confirmed that Ian ranks as the fifth most powerful hurricane to impact Florida in its history.
Powerful Hurricane Ian hits Florida: state faces "potentially fatal" storm surge (Videos) https://t.co/3vhp75oDlp pic.twitter.com/ItN0wvzukS
- AlbertoRodNews (@AlbertoRodNews) September 28, 2022
DeSantis assured that although the damage caused by the hurricane was historic, the priority is to rescue possible survivors. He also said that they are awaiting federal funds to start with the "construction from scratch" of the affected areas:
We have never seen a flood like this before. That is why in some areas will have to be built from scratch because they cannot be rebuilt. Construction will not happen overnight, but help is on the way.
Videos are already circulating on social networks of more than 42,000 linemen who are waiting to restore electricity service in the most devastated areas.
This is incredible... 42,000+ linemen are on standby and ready to go in Florida.
God Bless these heroes. 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/ItpbdMQONK
- Ryan Fournier (@RyanAFournier) September 29, 2022
President Joe Biden declared the devastation a "major disaster" during a visit to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) headquarters. The president assured that it could be the deadliest hurricane in Florida's history:
This could be the deadliest hurricane in Florida's history... Early reports point to a substantial loss of life.
The President spoke by telephone with the Governor to offer him "maximum federal support." Biden revealed his intention to visit Florida and Puerto Rico, although he did not specify a date.
Ian regains strength. Emergency in the Carolinas
The meteorological services warn that it has regained Ian has regained intensity, after losing strength on Thursday and becoming a tropical storm. The hurricane, now a Category 1, is heading northwest today and making landfall in the states of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. The CNH warned that it will cause "potentially deadly flooding, storm surge and high winds." It is headed towards Virginia next.
Biden approved the State of Emergency in South Carolina, so more reinforcements will be added to the state teams to reduce or avoid the threat of a catastrophe. The White House informed:
The President's action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate all disaster relief efforts (...) and to provide appropriate assistance for necessary emergency measures.
FEMA is now authorized to "identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency."
