Hurricane Ian: The 23rd deadliest hurricane in US history along with catastrophic damages in several states including Florida
AGN.News Team
October 8, 2022
FORT MYERS BEACH (AGN.News) – Hurricane Ian is the 23rd deadliest hurricane in US history with catastrophic damages estimated over $60 billion along with economic losses exceeding $100 billion.
On September 28, 2022, Hurricane Ian devastated southwest Florida and continued moving north-northeast across the state of Florida bringing floods into communities and extensive damage to personal and business property as it turned north towards South Carolina into Virginia.
Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral and Naples was particularly hit hard with massive flooding. Rescuers were able to assist survivors to safety. The stories told by many survivors are just short of miracles.
Hurricane Ian’s known fatalities
Hurricane Ian caused at least 137 fatalities, including 5 people in Cuba, 126 in Florida, 5 in North Carolina and 1 in Virginia as of October 6, according to local officials. This U.S. death toll makes Hurricane Ian the 23rd deadliest hurricane in the country’s history.
Hurricane Ian’s catastrophic damages
Immediately after the Category 4 storm, entire areas lost electrical power. Including, communities in Lee County and across the state of Florida.
While the Category 4 hurricane with 150 mph winds destroyed homes, businesses, and shopping centers, it was the deep flood waters that caused record damage to property.
Electrical repair crews restore power
On October 7, 2022, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, speaking in Volusia County, confirmed thousands of electric repair personnel from as far away as Texas have come to Florida to repair the electric lines and the electric grid. As of October 7, power had been restored in many areas.
Volusia County officials estimate more than 6,000 homes were flooded and 1,000 businesses damaged. Another 1,000 homes along the Saint Johns River are still at risk of being flooded, WFTV.com reports.
The county says Ian caused more than $263 million in damages. That number is only expected to grow as officials are able to gain access to many flooded areas.
Central Florida floods and deaths
Many areas across Florida, which has many wetlands, are completely inundated with flood waters. Ian caused damage from Osceola County with over $148 million, Orange County, including Orlando where many of the lakes overflowed, sustained damages over $161 million.
Thousands of dwellings across Florida into Virginia have experienced wind and water damage, including businesses. Thousands in low-lying areas in Florida have sustained flood damage as the flood waters are still flowing.
One person died during the storm after he fell into a canal while draining his pool. Two electrical workers were electrocuted while working to restore power in New Smyrna Beach.
North Carolina and South Carolina along with Virginia experienced storm damages and record rainfall along with personal property damages. After a rare request from Cuba wanting help to restore power, US assistance was approved by President Joe Biden.
On October 5, President Biden toured the Lee County area by helicopter. Afterwards he spoke about the federal government assistance to storm victims. Speaking in Fort Myers Beach, he also addressed the cost of debris removal in the affected Florida counties.
“The federal government will cover — is covering every cost — 100 percent of the cost to clear the massive debris left in the wake of the hurricane in these counties. And it all needs to be cleared out for communities to begin the hard work of trying to get back on their feet.” – President Joe Biden
President Biden said residents are encouraged to contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) help centers located in affected counties for recovery assistance.
There are many resources available on the local, state and federal level to assist those impacted by the storm. You can contact local officials for more information.
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Written by
AGN.News Team
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