At least nineteen people have been confirmed dead from the effects of Hurricane Ian so far, exceeding the eleven deaths Hurricane Fiona caused. 

Hurricane Ian has torn through Florida and Cuba, leaving extensive damages wherever it passes. On Sept. 24, President Joe Biden declared a state of emergency in Florida, enacting action by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 

HURRICANE IAN IN FLORIDA

On Wednesday, the Category 4 storm hit Southwest Florida, causing massive property damage, flooding and power outages. 

Ian hit Charlotte County, Lee County and the coastal town of Fort Myers the hardest. As of Thursday, 2.6 million people are still without power, and many of the structures lay collapsed in smithereens by the high winds and floodwaters. Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) confirmed on Thursday that Charlotte and Lee counties were still essentially off-grid, although massive efforts are being made to restore power. 

According to an interview with The New York Times, former emergency management chief Jared Moskowitz said that “Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island look like they will need to be 80 percent rebuilt.”

Following this, Ian barreled into South Carolina at 2 p.m. on Friday, by this time a Category 1 hurricane.  

CUBA EXPERIENCES OUTAGES

Cuba’s western territories experienced the heaviest hit. Hurricane Ian made landfall in Cuba’s province, Pinar del Rio, on Sept. 27, prompting over 50,000 residents to be evacuated as the storm approached. Winds reached a speed of 125 miles per hour, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. 

The hurricane destroyed many homes, leaving some families in Cuba homeless. The strong winds and rain have knocked out the country’s power grid, leaving nearly 11 million residents without power. As of now, Cuba is still attempting to restore power while Cubans have taken to the streets to protest. This comes after the third full day of no power on the island, though some areas in Havana have reported restoration of electricity. 

IAN’S FURY CONTINUES

South Carolina expected Hurricane Ian to hit Friday with Cape Fear in North Carolina potentially shouldering damage as well. On Sept. 30, Hurricane Ian made landfall in Georgetown, South Carolina. As of the late afternoon, Ian’s winds fell below the Hurricane category; however, the intense weather is still expected to cause damage over the weekend.