Many residents across the state of Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina are still reeling as Hurricane Ian continues to move up the coast. Thus far, Florida officials have calculated that the storm has taken at least 50 lives across eight counties in the southeast. Tragically, the total may rise as first responders continue to look for lost individuals in the midst of chaos and confusion.
“Unless you’re on the ground, you really can’t take in the gravity of what we experienced,” Sanibel, Florida Mayor Holly Smith told ABC News.
“This is going to be a very long recovery process.”
As the people of Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina and several other areas attempt to pick up the pieces, several organizations are stepping up to help out.
“In the immediate aftermath, search and rescue will be the focus,” Army General Daniel Hokanson said.
“Our concern is saving lives and getting our folks in there as quickly as possible to make a difference in that critical time to get people out of situations that may be potentially life-threatening to them.”
Despite the efforts to help the people of Florida, South Carolina and North Carolina, many Hurricane Fiona survivors in Puerto Rico and Cuba feel they will be forgotten. The hurricane hit multiple countries in late September, leaving thousands without power and at least 25 people dead. President Joe Biden claims that the people of Puerto Rico will not be forgotten as the U.S. attempts to address matters in the southeast.
“I want to be clear: To the people of Puerto Rico, we’re not going away,” Biden said, according to Politico.
“I am committed to you and the recovery of the island. We’ll stand by you for however long it takes to get it done.”
