Days after Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida on September 28 and carved a path of destruction from there to Virginia and the Carolinas. This powerful Category 4 storm is said to be the worst hurricane in Florida’s history. With maximum sustained winds of 150 mph, the hurricane hit the southwest coast of the island of Cayo Costa near Fort Myers and Cape Coral.
It has destroyed hundreds of coastal communities, displaced thousands and left millions without power. The federal emergency management officials have launched the largest search and rescue effort as the death toll climbs to 87.
The hurricane has weakened to a tropical storm but as it moves inland, several states face the danger of high winds, rain and flooding. Flooding from swollen rivers in numerous regions is threatening to wreak havoc. Even with recovery and rebuilding began, Florida has been reshaped by Hurricane Ian forever. Here are some devastating pictures of the trail of destruction left behind by Hurricane Ian.
Man sitting on a destructed street in Matlacha after the hurricane ravaged the region.
Image: Ricardo Arduengo / AFP
Tormented road between Matlacha and Pine Island after Hurricane Ian caused widespread destruction in Matlacha.
Image: Marco Bello
A woman walks in knee-deep water on a street in Fort Myers.
Image: Steve Helber/AP
After heavy rains from Hurricane Ian, the streets were flooded and people had to row around in rubber boats and air mattresses.
Image: Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Aerial image of submerged roads and settlements after Hurricane Ian wreak havoc in Central Florida.
Image: Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel
Overflowing Little Wekiva River in Altamonte Springs, Central Florida, has flooded the urban settlements, making navigation difficult.
Image: Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel
Orange County Fire and Rescue officials have been working through chest-high waters to help locals in Orlando.
Image: Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP
Damaged marina in Fort Myers in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.
Image: EPA
A partially collapsed and submerged section of the Sanibel Causeway in Fort Myers.
Image: Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
An aerial view of damaged homes and debris in Fort Myers Beach, one of the worst hit regions.
Image: Wilfredo Lee/AP
Buildings in Fort Myers have been damaged badly in the hurricane. The city is littered with debris.
Image: Joe Raedle
With a speed of 140 mph, winds gusting across the John Ringling Causeway after making landfall in Cayo Costa.
Image: Sean Rayford
Streets have been flooded in downtown Fort Myers.
Image: Marco Bello/Reuters
Houses and entire colonies have been flooded in several regions in the state.
Image: Win McNamee
Via: Washington Post