Hurricane Ian made its second US landfall at Myrtle Beach. The monster storm battered the coast with massive waves, causing entire communities to be flooded.

Near Georgetown, South Carolina was the epicenter of this terrible tempest. The storm surges of 7ft battered areas along the coast, including Charleston, were also felt.

The terrifying footage captures homes and businesses being submerged by waves like a tsunami and vehicles floating along the roads amid 85mph winds and a torrential seawater.

One of the most devastating effects was the removal from hinges of a magnificent pier and its subsequent dumped in the water. Houses were evacuated, as well as 180,000 blackouts caused by the smashing and re-wiring the power grid.

In Charleston, the Coburg Cow was suddenly removed. It is a sculpture of a Brown Bovine called Bessie.

In its history of 63 years, it was the third time that the structure had been destroyed. This follows Hurricane Florence and hurricane Hugo. The locals refer to it for judging the severity of a storm.

After Hurricane Ian destroyed Florida’s power grid, it was a devastating event that left at least 21 deaths and hundreds of thousands more homes damaged. It could also be the beginning of a long recovery process.

It ravaged the state, before it reached the Atlantic for a recharge and then launched its devastating assault on South Carolina.

The Category 1 storm continued to rage:

  • For parts of Virginia, the Carolinas, and Virginia, a tornado watch was in effect until Friday at 10 p.m.
  • South Carolina’s tide levels rose more than one foot per hour after 6am, when they reached over 9.5ft
  • Georgia and North Carolina were both ravaged by Hurricane Ian. They experienced flash flooding, strong winds and severe flooding.
  • President Joe Biden said that Hurricane Ian was an ‘American crisis’ and ‘America’s heart is literally breaking’;
  • Sheriff’s Deputies arrested several suspects in looting at Fort Myers Beach on Friday. 
  • Florida began to collect the pieces, and launched rescue missions to help survivors of the storm.

When Ian reached South Carolina, flooding from heavy rainfall and storm surges quickly rose.

Horrifying footage shows water pushing past sand dunes in Myrtle Beach and seeping into properties, washing away several structures in its wake as bigger waves and high winds of up to 85mph are battering the region

The shocking footage of water flowing past Myrtle Beach sand dunes and seeping inside properties shows the horror. It is washing away many structures as it goes.

Horrifying footage shows water pushing past sand dunes and seeping into properties, washing away several structures in its wake as bigger waves and high winds of up to 85mph are battering the region

It is shocking to see water seeping through the sand dunes. The water then seeps into property, washing away numerous structures.

Pawleys Island Pier has also been washed away by the waves, as residents and pets on Myrtle Beach properties had to be evacuated.

Pawleys Island Pier has also been washed away by the waves, as residents and pets on Myrtle Beach properties had to be evacuated.

Pawleys Pier on Pawleys Island was also washed away, and residents and pets living at Myrtle Beach had to be evacuated

Myrtle Beach found itself underwater, as emergency services had to use a fire engine to reach those trapped on upper levels of the pier

Myrtle Beach ended up underwater after emergency workers used a fire engine for those on the upper levels of Myrtle Beach.

Rain from Hurricane Ian starts to submerge a white car as the water continues to swallow properties in Charleston

The rain from Hurricane Ian begins to submerge white cars as Charleston continues to be flooded.

Tide levels have already risen to over 9.5ft, increasing at more than a foot an hour since 6am on Friday and is the highest water level measured in Myrtle Beach since Hurricane Isaias hit in August 2020

The tide level has already reached over 9.5ft. That is more than half an inch per hour increase since Friday at 6 a.m. on Friday.

A man got caught in the heavy rain in Charleston, South Carolina, wearing shorts and a waterproof jacket and clutching a drink

Charleston, South Carolina: A man was caught in heavy rain wearing shorts, a waterproof jacket, and holding a water bottle.

Cars in Charleston attempted to drive down the street  as it continued to flood as storm surge water seeped through the South Carolina city

Cars in Charleston attempted to drive down the street  as it continued to flood as storm surge water seeped through the South Carolina city

The Coburg Cow, a statue of a brown cow called Bessie and a bottle of milk, has ominously been removed from its perch in Charleston for safekeeping

It has only ever been removed twice before, to protect it from Hurricane Florence and Hugo, and usually marks a turning point in the severity of storm conditions to locals

A statue of Bessie, a Coburg Cow and a milk bottle, have been taken from Charleston’s Coburg Cow to ensure its safety. The Coburg Cow has been only removed once before to safeguard it against Hurricane Florence and Hugo. This marks an important turning point for locals in terms of the severity and impact of severe storm conditions.

A police vehicle drives down a flooded street as rain from Ian and water from the storm surge starts to hit Charlestown

As rain pours down from Ian, and as water from the storm surge begins to flood Charlestown’s streets, a police car drives along one of these streets.

Hurricane Ian made landfall at 2.05pm near Georgetown, South Carolina as at Category 1 hurricane

Hurricane Ian, a Category 1 hurricane made landfall in South Carolina at 2.05 pm near Georgetown. 

Emergency services have already started coming out in force after trees were uprooted and swept across roads in Charleston, South Carolina

Following the destruction of trees and their sweep across Charleston’s roads, emergency services are already on the move.

A tree fell through the roof of a property in McClellanville, which is a few miles northwest of Charleston

A tree fell through the roof of a property in McClellanville, which is a few miles northwest of Charleston

McClellanville is just a few miles north of Charleston. A tree was able to fall through the roof of McClellanville’s property.

Speaking on Friday, President Biden said that Hurricane Ian was an ‘American crisis’ and ‘America’s heart is literally breaking’, adding it would take years to rebuild from the aftermath

Speaking on Friday, President Biden said that Hurricane Ian was an ‘American crisis’ and ‘America’s heart is literally breaking’, adding it would take years to rebuild from the aftermath

Firefighters are preparing to protect areas of South Carolina, as Ian has started sending swells of water in storm surges along the coastline

South Carolina’s firefighters have been preparing for protection as Ian started sending storm surge swells to the coast.

A local resident hauls debris from the road in an effort to keep gutter drains clear as hurricane Ian bears down on Charleston, South Carolina

Local resident pulls trash from the street to clear gutters as Hurricane Ian hammers Charleston, South Carolina.

A woman on TikTok streamed live as she clung onto a sign on Myrtle Beach as the waves began pushing through up the steps to the boardwalk

TikTok streaming live a woman as she held onto a sign at Myrtle Beach, as waves pushed through the steps leading to the boardwalk.

An Apple store in Charleston has sandbagged the front of the property to brace for the extreme weather

To prepare for extreme weather, an Apple Store in Charleston has sandbagged its front to protect it

A firetruck departs after marking low hanging wires as the effects of the 85mph winds from Ian are felt along the coast

After marking the low-hanging wires, a firetruck leaves the scene. The 85 mph winds of Ian can be felt all along the coast.

Residents in Charleston were quick to board up their properties with plywood across the doors and windows to protect them before leaving the state

Charleston residents quickly put plywood on their windows and doors to secure them.

The National Guard has been brought in to prepare Charleston for the direct hit from Hurricane Ian, with winds whipping the coastline

Charleston has been prepared for Hurricane Ian by the National Guard. The coast is being battered by winds.

A report from the city shows 95 per cent of all residential housing are at risk of serious flooding, with experts claiming the storm surges could have 'devastating impacts' to the 'core systems which keep the city functioning'

The city has released a report showing that 95 percent of homes are vulnerable to flooding. Experts also claim storm surges can have “devastating effects” on city’s core systems, which help keep it functioning.

Heavy rain has already been battering the historic city, with extreme weather warnings in place as thousands of residents boarded up their homes and prepared to flee

As thousands fled their homes, heavy rains have already affected the historical city.

Residents in Charleston, South Carolina, are boarding up their properties as they await Hurricane Ian's arrival on Friday

Charleston residents are currently boarding up as Hurricane Ian approaches.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA), satellite handout picture shows Hurricane Ian, September 30, 2005.

Corey Fields, with the city of Charleston, cleans a storm drain as effects from Hurricane Ian are felt as winds and rain batter the city

Corey Fields works with Charleston to clean a storm drainage after Hurricane Ian caused severe flooding. 

Highway cameras have captured long queues of residents fleeing South Carolina as the Charleston County has issued a state of emergency

As the Charleston County declared a state emergency, cameras on highways captured residents running from South Carolina.

Ian is expected to rapidly transition into a post-tropical system and will decrease winds as it pushes inland, but heavy rain and gusty conditions will  impact millions in the Carolinas and mid-Atlantic states.

Pawleys Island Pier  and Cheery Grove Pier have both been washed away by the waves, as residents and pets on Myrtle Beach properties had to be evacuated. 

President Biden yesterday called Ian the ‘deadliest hurricane in Florida’s history’, adding that there was likely to be ‘substantial loss of life’.

DeSantis spoke to him again Friday morning. 

Biden declared a State of Emergency in South Carolina. Federal assistance was ordered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Henry McMaster.

He stated yesterday that the government would pay the entire bill for damage to 13 Florida counties. The estimated damage is more than $260million.

Since then, Charleston County has declared a state of emergency. The county has approximately 413,000 residents. Officials have changed operations in response to any disaster or emergency.

Charleston County’s 2020 report shows that 95 percent of residential properties are vulnerable to severe flooding. Experts claim storm surges may have devastating impacts on the city’s core systems, which help keep it functioning. 

As Ian moves towards Georgia and Carolinas, the west coast of Florida will also be impacted by tsunami-like surges. 

The expected surge in Edisto Beach (South Carolina), a destination located 30 miles from Charleston, will be between 4 and 7 feet. 

South Carolina could be struck by power outages. In Florida, there are 1.9million residents without electricity. Ron DeSantis said that it will take a complete rebuild of the system. 

DeSantis, during a Friday press conference, praised authorities’ ‘herculean efforts’ to bring Floridians safety and said that certain areas would need to be rebuilt. 

SOUTH CAROLINA: South Carolina braces for deadly Hurricane Ian which has brought 85mph winds and life-threatening flooding in fresh trail of destruction as residents scramble to higher ground

SOUTH CAROLINA – South Carolina prepares for hurricane Ian. The storm has brought 85 mph winds and floods that could cause serious damage to homes.

In the event of an '100-year flood event' 86 per cent of roads would be inaccessible to emergency services

A report from Charleston County in 2020 shows that 95 per cent of all residential properties are at risk of flooding with a large storm surge

SOUTH CAROLINA. A Charleston County 2020 report shows that 95 percent of all homes are at high risk from flooding due to a storm surge. In the event of a 100-year flood, 86% roads would not be accessible for emergency services.

SOUTH CAROLINA: A sign is posted in the widow of a shuttered H&M clothing store in the historic district as the city prepares for Hurricane Ian

SOUTH CAROLINA: A sign is posted in the widow of a shuttered H&M clothing store in the historic district as the city prepares for Hurricane Ian

SOUTH CAROLINA: North Charleston and downtown Charleston are expected to be worst hit by the flash flooding, as well as the Charleston Naval Complex

SOUTH CAROLINA – The flash flooding is expected to worst affect North Charleston, downtown Charleston and the Charleston Naval Complex.

FLORIDA: In Florida, where Ian first came ashore on Wednesday as one of the most powerful storms ever to hit the US mainland, the extent of the damage caused by the hurricane became more apparent on Thursday. Pictured: Flooded houses in Fort Myers on Thursday

FLORIDA: The extent of damage done by Hurricane Irma was more evident in Florida on Thursday. This is where Ian arrived on Wednesday, as the strongest storm to ever hit the US. Photo: Fort Myers floods on Thursday

FLORIDA: This aerial photo shows damaged homes and debris in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian on Thursday in Fort Myers, Fla

FLORIDA – This aerial shot shows debris and homes damaged in the wake of Hurricane Ian. It was taken Thursday at Fort Myers.

FLORIDA: Volunteers with the Metropolitan Ministries World Central kitchen prepare sandwiches that will go to Hurricane Ian survivors in Southwest Florida

FLORIDA: Volunteers with the Metropolitan Ministries World Central kitchen prepare sandwiches that will go to Hurricane Ian survivors in Southwest Florida

FLORIDA: First responders with Orange County Fire Rescue use a boat to rescue a resident in a flooded neighborhood in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian on Thursday

FLORIDA: Orange County Fire Rescue first responders use a boat for the rescue of a resident who was flooded by Hurricane Ian.

FLORIDA: Damaged buildings are seen as Hurricane Ian passed through the area on September 29, 2022 in Fort Myers Beach, Florida

FLORIDA: These are the damaged buildings that Hurricane Ian caused to pass through this area in Fort Myers Beach on September 29th, 2022.

FLORIDA: Orange County Officials spent time rescuing dozens of pets from flooded homes, including a tiny dog wrapped in a towel

FLORIDA – Orange County officials spent time helping rescue dozens more pets from floods homes. They even saved a little dog who was covered in towels.

FLORIDA: Jonathan Strong holds his vest above the water as he wades through floodwaters while knocking on doors in a flooded mobile home community in Iona, an unincorporated community in Lee County near Fort Myers, Fla., on Thursday

FLORIDA: Jonathan Strong keeps his vest high above the water while he wades through floodwaters to knock on doors in an Iona mobile home community. This unincorporated community is located in Lee County, near Fort Myers.

Two South Carolina cities are expected to be ravaged by hurricane Ian.

Charleston, South Carolina

Temporary tropical storm-force winds gusts from now until 9 p.m. ET

Peak winds: From 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., gusts up to 60-70 mph+ ET

Expected rainfall: 3-6 inches

Expected Surge: 4-7 feet

High tide time: around 11 a.m. ET

Myrtle Beach in South Carolina

Temporary tropical storm-force winds gusts from now until 9 p.m. ET

Peak winds: From 1 p.m. until 8 p.m., gusts up to 75-85 mph+ ET

Forecast: Rainfall is expected to reach 3 to 5 inches

Expected surge: Between 4 and 7 Feet

Time of high tide: Around 10 a.m. ET

CNN. 

SOUTH CAROLINA

As flash flooding is possible, Flash Flood Warnings have been issued for Charleston until noon

According to the national weather service, heavy rains from the severe storm are expected to keep moving in the morning.

Rainfalls have been falling from 1 to 2 inches so far, and more rain is expected to fall as Hurricane Irma moves through the US.

The flash flooding will likely cause the worst damage to North Charleston and Charleston’s downtown areas, along with the Charleston Naval Complex.

Folly Beach residents have begun to prepare for Hurricane Irma by filling up sandbags and putting them outside.

According to the report, 95% of residential properties are vulnerable to severe flooding. Experts claim that storm surges may have devastating effects on the core systems of the city which help keep it functioning.

Charleston International Airport and Airfield have been evacuated due to Hurricane Ian’s strong winds. Plans are to reopen the airport on Saturday, at 6 a.m. ET. 

To assist with any rescues, the National Guard has been deployed in South Carolina.

A spokesman for the National Hurricane Center said: ‘Tropical-storm-force winds ongoing across much of the coast of the Carolinas.

“Life-threatening hurricane surges and hurricane conditions are expected to occur by today afternoon.”

In 2016, Hurricane Matthew struck the state and killed 25 people in North Carolina, while four were in South Carolina.

Gov. Henry McMaster issued no evacuations, but he said that doesn’t mean the storm isn’t dangerous, adding: ‘We know we can handle this if we use our heads and follow the rules.’

Charleston Police Department advised residents of South Carolina that there were currently 24 road closures in place and 18 traffic signals out.

Roy Cooper, North Carolina governor, advised residents to take precautions in the event of flooding, landslides, and tornadoes.  ‘dangerous unpredictability’ of the storm.

He also warned of potential power outages and confirmed that he has activated members of the state’s National Guard, adding: ‘So, for North Carolinians, I want to be clear, this storm can still be dangerous and even deadly.

FLORIDA: People walk along the beach looking at property damaged by Hurricane Ian on Thursday in Bonita Springs, Florida

FLORIDA – People stroll along the coast looking for property destroyed by Hurricane Ian, Thursday at Bonita Springs in Florida

FLORIDA: In an aerial view, damaged buildings are seen as Hurricane Ian passed through the area on Thursday in Fort Myers Beach

FLORIDA – An aerial view of the damaged buildings seen in Florida after Hurricane Ian passed through this area Thursday at Fort Myers Beach 

FLORIDA: Orange County Officials spent time rescuing dozens of pets from flooded homes, including two German Shepherds

FLORIDA – Officials in Orange County took time to rescue dozens more pets trapped inside flood waters, including two German Shepherds 

Properties in Fort Myers are still partially submerged in water as emergency services are working towards the areas being drained

Fort Myers’ properties remain partially submerged because emergency workers are working to drain the water.

FLORIDA: An old classic car sits in front of a house in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, in Fort Myers, Florida on Thursday

FLORIDA – An antique car parked in front of a house after Hurricane Ian in Fort Myers (Florida) on Thursday 

FLORIDA: Search and rescue personnel wade through the waters of a flooded neighborhood as they search for survivors in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, in Kissimmee

FLORIDA: In Kissimmee, search and rescue workers wade through floodwaters to find survivors after Hurricane Ian. 

FLORIDA: An alligator floats in flood waters in a neighborhood in the wake of Hurricane Ian, in Orlando, Florida

FLORIDA: An alligator floats in flood waters in a neighborhood in the wake of Hurricane Ian, in Orlando, Florida

FLORIDA: a man tows a canoe through a flooded street of his neighborhood in New Smyrna Beach, Florida

FLORIDA: A man pulls a canoe down a street that is flooded in New Smyrna Beach.

After Fiona, Puerto Rico still has power outages of approximately 233,000 

Puerto Rico had an estimated 233,000 houses and businesses without power on Friday. It was nearly two weeks since Hurricane Fiona, which left Puerto Rico with 3.3 million affected.

Fiona, after hitting Puerto Rico & the Dominican Republic on Sept. 23, turned north and crashed into Eastern Canada. This left more than one-third of Nova Scotia powerless.

Nova Scotia Power is a Canadian unit of Emera Inc. It reported that about 59.900 people were still without electricity in Nova Scotia on Friday. This was down from 78.200 Thursday.

Fiona visited Puerto Rico in September 18th, five years ago after Hurricane Maria caused power outages on the island.

PowerOutage.us stated that Puerto Rico had 233,000 unconnected customers on Friday. That’s down from 239,000 in the early hours of Thursday. Based on information provided by LUMA Energy (which operates its grid), PowerOutage.us claims this number is approximately 233,000.

This restoration process was faster than that of Maria, when nearly all 1.5 million customers were without power for at least a week. Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA), which was now bankrupt, still operated the grid.

PREPA had to wait for 11 months before all customers were restored to power, however Maria was far more destructive than Fiona.

Maria struck Puerto Rico on 17 September 2017 in a Category4 hurricane, with winds at 155 miles (249 kilometers/h), while Fiona was a Category1 storm with winds around 85 mph.

LUMA Energy stated that it had restored service to 1.212million customers, which is 83% of all customers. It also said that service was available to 90 percent of customers across all regions of the company’s service areas by Friday. This will be possible as long as there is sufficient power.

LUMA is a joint venture of units from Canadian energy company ATCO Ltd (50%) & U.S. Energy contractor Quanta Services Inc (50%)

 Source: Reuters

FLORIDA

Ian hit the  eastern coast of Florida as one of the most powerful storms to ever hit the US mainland, with the devastation and damage becoming clear on Thursday morning. 

Officials fear that the death toll from the deadly storm’s aftermath could rise significantly. At least 21 Florida residents were killed, while two others died in Cuba. 

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida Governor, described the destruction to the coast towns of Fort Myers and other areas as “indescribable” as aerial photos showed the extent of the damage.

Biden declared that this year’s deployment of rescue and search specialists is the most recent in history. 

He said: ‘At my direction, we pre-deployed the largest team of search and rescue experts in recent history, because so many of the rescuers need to be there in place now, in the water now.

‘Six fixed-wing aircraft, 18 rescue boats and crews, 16 rescue helicopters, which were in the day all day yesterday and are at it again today.

‘Working with the Defense Department, National Guard, state and local first responders, they have rescued 117 people on southwest Florida coast and fort Myers and Naples so far.’

Strong storm surges had swept away homes, trees, vehicles, and even boats from the roadway. 

After all bridges had been destroyed, fires broke out in several Fort Myers homes and Sanibel Island houses. The 6,300 inhabitants were cut off from the mainland. 

Due to rising water near Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park, more than 500 residents were forced to evacuate North Port, Florida on Friday.

DeSantis stated that at least 700 rescues were performed by US Coast Guard, National Guard, and urban search-andrescue teams on Thursday. 

The hurricane flooded homes on both the state’s coasts, destroyed a historic waterfront pier and knocked out electricity to 1.9 million Florida homes and businesses.

According to DeSantis, the Florida power grid would need to be rebuilt and authorities confirmed that Lee county and Charlotte were the hardest hit.

Lee County, which also suffered a major water line break at its county water utility, is now without power and only 15% has been restored. 

Central Florida will continue to experience record-breaking river flooding as torrential rains from Ian drain into the major waterways.

Fort Myers saw the most severe damage. Homes were torn down and placed along with the rubble as residents returned home from their homes. 

FLORIDA: In an aerial view, boats are seen along side a home after Hurricane Ian passed through the area on September 29, 2022 in Fort Myers Beach, Florida

FLORIDA – In this aerial view boats can be seen alongside a residence after Hurricane Ian struck the area in Fort Myers Beach (Florida) on September 29, 2022.

FLORIDA: Students are evacuated on an inflatable speedboat as the flooding reached the first story of buildings in Orlando

FLORIDA – Students evacuated from Orlando by inflatable speedboat after flooding reached first stories of Orlando buildings

FLORIDA: University of Central Florida students use an inflatable mattress as they evacuate an apartment complex near the campus that was totally flooded by rain

FLORIDA – University of Central Florida students evacuate an apartment building near their campus after it was completely submerged by the rain using an inflatable mattress

FLORIDA: Residents in Fort Myers were met with scenes of devastation when they were able to get to the lower floors of their properties, which were left in chaos after floodwater swept through

FLORIDA: Fort Myers residents were confronted with devastation after they managed to reach the lower floors of their homes.

FLORIDA: Debris has gathered in a lake near damaged properties in Fort Myers, Florida, being pushed to one side by the 155mph storm winds

FLORIDA – Debris has collected in Fort Myers near the damaged property. It was pushed aside by the strong 155mph wind gusts.

William Goodison, who has lived in a mobile home park in the area for 11 years, said: ‘I don’t know how anyone could have survived in there,’

Carmine Marceno, Lee County Sheriff, stated that his office had been scrambling in order to answer thousands of calls from the Fort Myers region. However many roads and bridges were not accessible.

Marceno, whose jurisdiction includes Fort Myers was among the hardest hit areas by the monster hurricane, stated that hundreds were expected to die in the area.

GMA spoke with him: “While I do not have any confirmed figures, I know that the deaths are high in the hundreds.”

There are thousands of people in need of rescue. I am unable to give an objective assessment without being present on each scene. 

“This is a life-changing event for all the people who have responded. It is life-changing for everyone.

Sheriff’s deputy officers have taken several suspects into custody for looting Fort Myers beach in the wake of Hurricane Irma. 

According to Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), the emergency management in southwest Florida will become more critical over the next 72 hours.

Naples officials stated that there is damage totaling at least $200 million in the area, $20 million of which comes from City property.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said that the effort to recover from the tsunami-related deaths in the state was unlike anything he’s ever seen.

The Sheriff’s department also confirmed that a man, 72, was found dead in water in a canal behind his home in Deltona near Daytona Beach.

FLORIDA: Good Samaritans are seen in Orange County trying to keep children from wading through the flash floodwater as Hurricane Ian continues to cross the state

FLORIDA – Good Samaritans help children avoid the floodwaters caused by Hurricane Ian. 

FLORIDA: An aerial view of damaged boats after Hurricane Ian caused widespread destruction in Fort Myers, Florida

FLORIDA – An aerial view showing the damage to boats in Fort Myers after Hurricane Ian.

CUBA: A man repairs a traffic light in Havana as the rebuilding of the city continues in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian

CUBA: A man repairs a traffic light in Havana as the rebuilding of the city continues in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian

CUBA:  Young Cuban soldiers prepare to clean a park in Havana in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian

CUBA:  Young Cuban soldiers prepare to clean a park in Havana in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian

CUBA: Tobacco farm owner Maritza Carpio cries next to her husband Ramon Martinez while looking at their destroyed tobacco house after the passage of Hurricane Ian in San Luis, Cuba

CUBA: Tobacco farm owner Maritza Carpio cries next to her husband Ramon Martinez while looking at their destroyed tobacco house after the passage of Hurricane Ian in San Luis, Cuba

It appeared that he was using a water hose to empty his pool into the canal. Then he fell on an incline which, due to the rain heavy down, was extremely soft and slippery.

To reach people stranded in disaster areas, emergency crews cut through fallen trees. Many were not able to contact help due to cellular and electrical outages.

Punta Gorda was directly under the path of the hurricane. Trees and debris covered roads, but many buildings survived the storm better than expected.

Brenda Siettas (62), a paraprofessional working with students was present in New York City in 2004, when Hurricane Charley decimated much of her area. She said that buildings built after then have been more resilient to high winds.

She replied, “They certainly built back better than Charley.” Then, I was here two weeks. There was no electricity, water or sewer.

CUBA

In stormy weather east-of Key West, Wednesday saw the sinking of a boat that was carrying Cuban migrants.

According to officials, the U.S. Coast Guard conducted a search-and rescue mission for 23 persons and located three survivors approximately two miles south from the Florida Keys.

According to the U.S. Border Patrol, four other Cubans reached Stock Island just east of Key West. The search continued for 20 possible migrants by air crews.

Cuba had been hit by a storm that ripped through it, killing 2 people and knocking out its electrical system.

Protests also broke out after blackouts caused by the hurricane. The storm lasted for several days, leaving many people without access to basic necessities.