Hurricane 'Ian' Turns Florida into a Devastated Area... Over 100 Dead

"Recovery Will Take at Least Several Weeks to Months"
Over 1,600 Residents Rescued from Isolation

Hurricane Ian swept through the Fort Myers beach in Florida. Photo by EPA, Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Juri] More than 100 people have been reported dead due to Hurricane Ian, the fifth most powerful hurricane in U.S. history.

According to local media such as CNN on the 3rd (local time), more than 100 residents have lost their lives in Florida, where Hurricane Ian made landfall.

In particular, CNN reported that at least 54 people died in Lee County, Florida, where the damage was concentrated, and 24 people died in Charlotte County.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced on the 2nd that more than 1,600 residents who were isolated in southwestern and central Florida were rescued by search teams.

Residents of Kings Point, Florida, affected by Hurricane Ian, are packing essential supplies and leaving. Photo by AP Yonhap News

According to PowerOutage.us, a U.S. power outage tracking site, as of that day, 600,000 households, businesses, and other customers in Florida were without power. It is also known that some areas are unable to receive drinking water due to problems with the water supply system.

Authorities expect the recovery to take at least several weeks to months.

The mobile home community at Fort Myers Beach, Florida, is heavily damaged by Hurricane Ian. Photo by AP Yonhap News

Meanwhile, President Biden visited Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory affected by Hurricane Fiona, on the 3rd (local time), and mentioned the situation in Florida, saying, "I understand that many of you have relatives in Florida," and announced plans to visit Florida on the 5th.

President Biden also emphasized, "At times like this, we have come together despite all differences, including politics," and "In front of those who have lost their homes and loved ones, we must show that we are one."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.