Explained: Hurricane Ian That Caused Massive Destruction In USA¡¯s Florida

A state of emergency has been declared in several states as Hurricane Ian rumbles and wreaks havoc in the United States of America.

AFP

The storm has traced through Cuba, killing two people and bringing down the country's electrical infrastructure. It hit Cuba as a category 3 hurricane.

What is Hurricane Ian?

Hurricane Ian has left a trail of damage and destruction, dominantly in Southwest Florida and the Southeastern Atlantic coast. It has been declared one of the strongest hurricanes that have ever occurred in the United States. When measured by wind speed, the hurricane is the fifth strongest ever to strike the country.

AFP

The devastating force of the storm winds extended outward up to 665 km. Its strength at landfall was category 4.

While the storm was reaching the coast of Florida, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) revealed that it was becoming an 'extremely dangerous Category 4 storm.'

How much loss has been incurred?

In Florida, more than 2.5 million homes and businesses witnessed the devastation caused by the flooding. Due to the absence of electricity and almost broken cell phone coverage, many citizens who were stuck in their houses were not able to register for help. They also underwent a power blackout that left them helplessly trapped inside their homes. Several individuals also used social media sites to post their pleas and videos of debris and muddy water around them.

AFP

A chunk of the Sanibel Causeway bridge- which provided connectivity to around 6,300 people - fell into the sea.

The heavy rains also flooded a hospital's emergency room in Port Charlotte and ripped some part of the roof of the ICU. The event led to the evacuation of patients to other floors.

According to the US Border Patrol, 20 migrants went missing after their boat sank.

The data on the number of mandatory evacuation orders that were made is not yet available.

What steps have authorities taken?

As part of the rescue exercise, emergency crews attempted to reach through the overflowing streets to those who were trapped. The authorities also made use of social media to reach people. For example, the Lee County Sheriff's office mentioned in a Facebook post that if the helplines are busy, people should still keep trying.

AFP

According to the officials, the US Coast Guard managed to find three survivors after it initiated a search and rescue mission for 23 people.

Sheriff Bull Prummell of Charlotte County also declared a curfew between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., mentioning that those who violate may face second-degree misdemeanor charges.

The Biden administration approved Florida emergency aid under the Federal Emergency Management Act (FEMA). The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) also took precautionary measures and rolled back its moon rocket into a hangar for reasons of protection.

What can be predicted?

AFP

The hurricane-related warnings are continuously being made in the areas where the storm may hit next. According to experts, Florida may witness rains of 20 inches in some areas.

After exiting Florida, the storm is expected to move into the Atlantic Ocean.