The scale of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Ian in Florida is only today coming into focus.
This is what we know so far:
Casualties: At least 15 people have died in connection with Hurricane Ian, but the final toll of deaths and injuries is not known yet.
President Biden said it could be the “deadliest hurricane in Florida’s history.”
Power outages: Over 2.6 million customers are without power across Florida. In the hardest-hit southwestern region, Hardee County, nearly 100% of customers remain without power. In Lee County, Charlotte County, and Desoto County, about 89% of all customers are in the dark.
Use these tips to stay safe while using a generator.
Damage:
- Heavy destruction in Fort Myers Beach. These photos show houses and stores splintered and debris scattered around the area. One official said the city is without electricity, water or sewage.
- All the bridges to Pine Island, Florida, have failed, meaning the barrier island is inaccessible by car, Lee County manager Roger Desjarlais said during a briefing Thursday afternoon. There have also been five structural failures on the Sanibel Causeway because of Hurricane Ian.
- Flooding has also been reported in Sanibel Island, the Orlando area and Naples.
Rescues: Emergency responders are working to reach those who may still be trapped by flooding or damage.
Teams from Orange County made rescues for people and pets in waist-high water.
Over 3,000 nursing home residents have been evacuated as well.
Ian’s path: The tropical storm is expected to strengthen back into a hurricane over the warm Atlantic Ocean before hitting South Carolina. The entire coast of South Carolina is under a hurricane warning.
Track the storm here.
National response: Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced Thursday that he’s activated the department’s surge capacity workforce to deploy more personnel to respond to Hurricane Ian.
More than 5,000 National Guardsmen from multiple states are positioned to assist hard-hit communities.
President Biden said he will visit Florida when conditions allow for it.
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