[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] A massive hurricane has struck Florida in the southeastern United States, causing widespread damage. The landfall of Ian, the fifth-strongest hurricane on record accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds, has cut power to approximately 2.6 million households in Florida. The official number of casualties has not yet been announced. U.S. President Joe Biden expressed concerns about 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, weakened after making landfall in Florida the previous afternoon. However, it is feared to redevelop into a hurricane and strike South Carolina on the 30th. Hurricane warnings have been issued along the entire coast of South Carolina.
Florida authorities reported that more than 500 people were rescued in Charlotte and Lee counties alone after search and rescue operations resumed that morning. The Associated Press (AP) reported, "Hurricane Ian destroyed piers and cut electricity to 2.67 million households and businesses, about a quarter of utility customers," adding that at least one death has been confirmed. Particularly severe damage was reported in coastal areas such as Fort Myers.
President Biden received a briefing on the situation and said, "This hurricane could be the deadliest in Florida's history." While the scale of casualties remains "unclear," he mentioned that "initial reports indicate there could be significant loss of life." He also added that he plans to visit Florida soon. The federal government has designated Florida as a major disaster area, enabling residents to receive additional support for home repairs and property loss.
Initially 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 (over 157 mph). In the past 30 years, only two hurricanes have made landfall in the U.S. as Category 5: Hurricane Michael in 2018 and Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Hurricane Michael, which struck Florida in 2018 as a Category 5, caused 16 deaths and $25 billion (about 36 trillion won) in property damage.
South Carolina, located along Ian's projected path, has prepared 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), stated, "The hurricane's category is not important. Significant rainfall is still a 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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