The Ruinous Aftermath of Hurricane Ian

The disastrous Hurricane Ian struck Florida on September 28, 2022, killing around 120 people and ranking Ian as the 24th deadliest Hurricane in the U.S, and is likely the deadliest hurricane since 1935. At least 40 of the deaths from Hurricane Ian, listed in Florida state data, were most likely drowning-related.

Hurricane Ian was announced a category 4 storm with 155 mph winds. This has resulted in a staggering result of economic destruction worth billions of dollars. Homes, buildings, and schools were destroyed due the rising of waters and harsh winds. More than 1.05 million citizens in Florida were still without power, days after Hurricane Ian ripped through the state. According to state officials, the Florida National Guard has rescued over 1,100 Floridians in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.

As of Saturday morning, 3 days after the hurricane hit, 1,076 people had been evacuated from flooded areas in southwest and central Florida, as well as 78 people transported from a swamped nursing home facility.

According to BBC News the White House announced on Saturday night that President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will visit Puerto Rico on Monday and Florida on Wednesday to assess the damage caused by Hurricanes Fiona and Ian. Biden had previously stated that he would travel to Florida to witness the devastation firsthand and that it was his “intention” to travel to Puerto Rico to do the same. After assessing the damage in Florida , President Joe Biden promised a long-term federal response to Hurricane Ian’s aftermath. The President also supplied millions of meals and water provided by FEMA. He also ordered the Small Business Administration to expedite the processing of low-interest disaster loans. “We have a long road ahead of us, rebuilding entire communities from the ground up,” Biden said. “I want the people of Florida to know — you have my commitment and America’s commitment that we’re not going to leave.”