Evacuated residents have begun returning to their properties after Hurricane Ian tore via Florida — solely to seek out neighborhoods they now not acknowledge.
CBS Information flew with the Coast Guard from Clearwater to Fort Myers, Sanibel Island and Naples because it surveyed a few of the most devastated areas in Florida. Boats had been swept inland and have been piled on high of one another, with many leaking oil and different chemical substances into the water. Properties have been lacking roofs, others have been crushed and scraped right down to their foundations.
The storm's churning water endlessly modified the shoreline, with tons of sand blown inland. Its winds and storm surge have been so highly effective that it washed away three elements of Sanibel Causeway, the one means on and off Sanibel Island. It may take months to repair.
Military Corps of Engineers Brig. Gen. Daniel Hibner was on the helicopter surveying the harm to roads, bridges and different very important constructions.
"We're taking a look at pump stations. We're taking a look at nursing properties, hospitals," Hibner stated.
Keri Faught and Jonathan Richards rode out the storm at their home. They huddled collectively for hours as water inundated the bottom stage of their residence.
"He is screaming at me, 'Get within the attic," Faught stated. They have been within the attic from 4:30 p.m. to virtually 7 a.m. the subsequent day.
She stated the expertise was "terrible."
Regardless of orders to evacuate, many individuals throughout Florida's southwest coast sheltered in place throughout the storm. Search and rescue groups are uncovering scenes of monumental loss within the aftermath.
Kevin Guthrie, director of Florida Division of Emergency Administration, described one flooded home that appeared to have human stays inside.
"Let me paint the image for you," he stated. "The water was up over the rooftop."
Rescue employees are going door to door and have gone via greater than 3,000 properties, in keeping with Gov. Ron DeSantis, who met Friday with the top of the Federal Emergency Administration Company.
Days after the storm slammed Florida, practically 2 million prospects are nonetheless with out energy as of Friday afternoon, and a few nonetheless haven't got water.
President Biden stated 44,000 employees from 33 states are in Florida working across the clock to get the facility again on, however it's going to take time.
"We see what you're going via and we're with you," Mr. Biden stated. "We're going to do the whole lot we are able to for you."