Hurricane Hits Florida, USA: "At Least 15 Dead... Toll Expected to Rise" (Summary)

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] A massive hurricane has struck Florida in the southeastern United States, causing widespread damage. Hurricane Ian, ranked as the fifth most powerful hurricane in history, made landfall in Florida accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds, cutting power to approximately 2.6 million households and resulting in at least 15 reported deaths so far. As damage reports continue to come in, the death toll is expected to rise. U.S. President Joe Biden expressed concerns over the loss of life and damage, stating that Hurricane Ian could become one of the deadliest hurricanes in Florida's history.

According to local media including The New York Times (NYT) on the 29th (local time), Ian, classified as a Category 4 hurricane, made landfall in Florida the previous afternoon and is moving northward. Although it weakened to a tropical storm by the morning, it is expected to redevelop into a hurricane by the 30th and strike South Carolina. Hurricane warnings have been issued along the entire coast of South Carolina.

Florida has suffered significant damage due to record-breaking heavy rain and strong winds. CNN reported, "Some areas experienced rainfall levels expected once every 1,000 years." Florida authorities stated that over 500 people have been rescued in Charlotte County and Lee County since search and rescue operations resumed that morning. CNN also reported that at least 15 people have died from the hurricane, including six deaths each in Charlotte County and Lee County. The Associated Press (AP) reported, "Hurricane Ian destroyed piers and cut power to approximately 2.67 million households and businesses, about one-quarter of utility customers." The official death toll has not yet been announced.

President Biden visited the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on the same day to receive a briefing on Hurricane Ian and said, "This hurricane could become one of the deadliest in Florida's history." While the death toll remains "unclear," he mentioned that "initial reports indicate there could be significant loss of life." He also added that he plans to visit Florida in person soon. The federal government has designated Florida as a major disaster area, enabling residents to receive additional aid for home repairs and property losses.

Originally classified as a Category 3 hurricane, Ian intensified to Category 4 after passing over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. At the time of landfall in Florida the previous day, it brought winds reaching up to 250 km/h (155 mph), nearly reaching Category 5 status (157 mph or higher). In the past 30 years, only two Category 5 hurricanes have made landfall in the U.S.: Hurricane Michael in 2018 and Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Hurricane Michael, which struck Florida in 2018 as a Category 5 hurricane, caused 16 deaths and approximately $25 billion (about 36 trillion won) in property damage.

South Carolina, located along Ian's projected path, is preparing for the hurricane. Storm surges over 6 feet and up to 20 cm of rainfall are expected. Robbie Berg, senior specialist at the National Hurricane Center (NHC), said, "The hurricane's category is not important. Significant rainfall is still a major concern." John Tecklenburg, mayor of Charleston, South Carolina, referenced the devastating hurricanes Matthew in 2016 and Irma in 2017, warning, "We are taking this seriously. Citizens need to prepare."

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