NBC2 IAN RECOVERY - An aerial view of Fort Myers Beach

[@JessH1]

So sad, I've lived here almost my whole life and have so many memories there and it's just all gone. Love and prayers to all of you in ft myers beach

[@lettyrodrz9940]

@Babei Ilie America should have taken care of mother nature!

[@mikeworkman3593]

@@lettyrodrz9940 What does that mean? These hurricanes have been happening for 10,000 years just as strong.

[@lettyrodrz9940]

@@mikeworkman3593 no, scientists said that they will be more and stronger each time due to climate change!

[@bubbamell50]

Hi my heart is with you and hope you can go back

[@krissykrupski4973]

@Babei Ilie god was angry that day my friend, like an old man sending soup back in a deli!

[@daanje1062]

Invaluable documentary video and narrative. Thank you.

[@lynnschell2130]

Although I'm not oblivious to the fact that hundreds of Floridians may have died here, with scores injured, I find myself grieving a loss as well. The video provided probably is as informative as any I've seen. If a picture is worth a thousand words, guess, with a little imagination, we've got a novel here. Many of us growing up on Estero Island knew we were very fortunate to be living in a tropical paradise. At least till the late 70's when it seemed like the rest of the world wanted a piece of the action too. I remember jumping off of the second or third floor of the first condo being built, into a sand pile below. It happened to go up right across the main drag from where my family lived. My sister and her friends rode their horses, bareback often, up and down the beach while my friends and I would do the same on our minibikes. Bare chested. We raised layers and peddled eggs to our neighbors. I mowed lawns for a buck. Most took half an hour. Good money back then. My father had built a huge sailboat, a twin masted ketch that slept seven. Sorta like a shrimp boat with sails. Slow but steady as she goes. Some of us considered ourselves surfers but, as a big sign attested to before coming onto the island, we lived on "The World's Safest Beach". No hint of undertow or rip tides, as you could wade or swim out an eighth of a mile to find yourself standing in midcalf water on the ever present sandbar. Yes, we had waves, but not ones really meant to surf. I believe the last time I visited was twenty years ago. By then it was "condo city" for the retired snowbirds and a party palace for people of my temperament. I may not have survived this long, had I not moved away. And if I had stayed and managed sobriety, where would I be NOW? It's a small and fragile world we live in. Mother Nature and Father Time take no prisoners. We best make the most of what we got, while we got it. We can love each other, and our home, to the best of our abilities, or we can choose less fruitful alternatives. The choice is our own. And for that we are responsible.

[@eileeneclark9011]

10/1/22...Thank goodness for your post. THIS IS WHY GOD GAVE US MEMORIES TO KEEP/SHARE ALL OUR LIVES! GOD BLESS AMERICA 🇺🇸! GOD BLESS ALL OUR 1st RESPONDERS! THIS IS WHY AMERICANS NEED TO STICK TOGETHER + REBUILD OUR OWN COUNTRY....NOT FIGHT POLITICAL BS/WAR HALF-WAY AROUNT THE WORLD 🌎!

[@Detcaligirl]

So eloquently stated. Former 70’s resident of Fort Lauderdale and frequent guest of the keys and Estero Island. I teared up reading your comment. Life was so beautiful and carefree back then for us growing up. ✌🏼❤️

[@fxrsniper1]

35 dead not hundreds

[@sarasweightlossjourney1432]

@@fxrsniper1 that number is changing by the hour every day unfortunately. There's still so many people that are missing I'm sad to say it probably will be in the hundreds

[@richardbayliss178]

From Australia we send our❤to all that suffered from hurricane Ian.

[@Honestandtruth007]

That's Why I don't live on Coastal area..... Only on Vacation These Florida Residents Need All the Help from All people everywhere ❤️✌️☮️. Love is PEACE and Helping ❤️

[@vandederrick6785]

This is heartbreaking. Prayers going out from Texas.

[@jharvey9898]

We can’t trust what passes for “news” these days. Disasters are happening all over the world now. I’m counting my blessings that what we got from Ian was not nearly as bad as 2004 hurricane Ivan. Even here in western NC we had flooding and several people died from trees falling on their houses.

[@damienmcelvogue8893]

A lot of us here in the UK are just in shock from what we are seeing. I think we all feel helpless in the fact that we can’t do anything. We just hope your all ok and come together.

[@MrJking065]

If you pray. Your Prayers would be greatly appreciated.

[@helenpauls1496]

@@MrJking065 I think he was suggesting something more productive.

[@ronniewilliz153]

Yea I'm in Lee county an we got hit pretty hard it was half an inch from coming in the front door. We sealed up the front door with grease an had sand bags.

[@lexisl3231]

@@ronniewilliz153 It was a half inch from our back door too! My family lives in Palmetto Palms, they lost their house. Our friends were on their mattresses floating down the street with their cat!

[@lexisl3231]

You can donate! Harry Chapin Food bank, I don’t know if they’re accepting donations from the UK. Check and see!

[@paranoidhumanoid]

Don't continue to make bad choices by choosing to live on barrier islands and marshy/swampy regions. They're just heaps of sand and gravel poking out of the water -- of course they'll be the first to get washed over during a storm like this. Sea walls or civil engineering projects like anti-erosion shoreline replenishment projects won't stop the surge of water from another hurricane.

[@MzVirtue]

Heartbreaking. I have been all over that area for work. Drove down from Orlando several times in 2019. Grew up on the Gulf Coast, minutes from Pensacola Beach and have witnessed the devastation of storms like Erin, Opal and Katrina. 🙏🏿♥️ It doesn't get easier. 😢 Praying for everyone.

[@sixtoomanycats9769]

Omg the color of the water 😢 I had a friend missing who lived here, but she was found safe today. 🙏

[@jaypunga8233]

From New Zealand love to everyone effected by this. Wish I could go and help with the recovery ❤😊💯

[@juliepeterson6639]

Even the places that don’t look decimated, are totaled. Just horrifying, my prayers are for everyone.

[@sarasweightlossjourney1432]

I live in Manatee county and we evacuated to Sarasota county and stayed in our church. It was looking as though it was heading above Tampa and obviously as we all know it took a different path. We had some damage here in Sarasota county but we are so blessed with only having our electric and water out. And some damage but nothing in comparison to what were witnessing in fort Myers Naples and all the communities in the surrounding area. My heart genuinely breaks for these people. This could have easily been anyone along the west coast that could have gone through this so I hope and pray that when the next hurricane comes our way we all heed the warnings and realize that just because your area has never been hit this bad doesn't mean the next one won't make a direct hit. I will be in church this morning praying for all that have been affected by the storm and also pray that we continue uniting and helping one another despite our differences whether it's political or religious etc. Things of this nature tend to make you realize what really matters in life and what doesn't and how Petty we can be over small things. This is a huge tragic event that we all need to grow from.

[@rodriguezevelyn8118]

Rest in peace all those Floridians that lost their life... strength and prayers for their families

[@allengrant]

This damage is reminiscent of the aftermath of Camille in 1969. I drove thru Gulfport/Biloxi/Ocean Springs soon after... parts of the Highway 90 roadway itself were altogether missing, 100+ year old historic and majestic beach-side confederate plantation houses were GONE (only their foundations remained), and all green vegetation was stripped off the palms and oak trees. The similarities are remarkable, albeit horrific. My heart goes out to all these affected people in SWFL. The entire nation is praying for you.

[@icebergrose8955]

This is so devastating. I wish I lived closer so I could open my home to a family. Hope help comes soon 🙏

[@T1C45]

I highly doubt the entire Nation is praying for this tiny part of the country. Speak for yourself

[@lynnschell2130]

I was there for Donna. THAT was the second biggest storm to hit FMB. Now.

[@winstonsizemore2385]

@@icebergrose8955 God Bless There are 9 of Us. Please we will drive to You!! God Bless Where are you????

[@timlloyd7476]

@@T1C45 your username fits you. How about we say that people are praying across the entire nation? Sound better? I'll pray for you too. Go back to sleep

[@jstarzz3780]

155 Miles winds OMG 😱😳

[@marybethkrol7361]

I am heartbroken 💔 this is my favorite place to be. I was there 4 weeks ago. We go every year.

[@isuzuaxiom9576]

No words. Heart is breaking.

[@debg0103]

Ty for showing me what has happened around me. I live in a group home fifteen -20min from Ft. Myers beach. We evacuated and both group homes came out fine. We watched in abject awe the wind trying to whip up a waterspout on a small lake.

[@donnalynch6845]

I'm watching, blessings, greetings from 🇧🇧🇧🇧👍🤗🥰

[@trishmaxwell3187]

The mobile homes stacked up on each other like the boats 😟 I watched a TikTok live of a woman and her adult children that lived in a trailer park in a ground level home. I haven't seen anything from her since she cut her live feed when she stated that the water had completely flooded her road, her car, and was starting to flood her home. Very scary because that was even before the worse of Ian had hit. She didn't have the money to leave and Fort Myers' gas stations were out of gas which kept her in Fort Myers Beach. I pray her and her family made it through the storm safely.

[@thegoodfight8316]

I ve had a lot of good times on this beach the last 7-8 years as we come down from the panhandle every October and we are heartbroken watching this. I feel for all the residents. They are awesome people and that storm hit so much harder than everyone originally expected. Man I can’t believe how hard it hit Ft Myers beach and Cape Coral.

[@jharvey9898]

Donate something to Samaritans Purse. They have boots on the ground and professionals at all kinds of disaster relief.

[@AuLily1]

"Decimated" has been an overly misused term that literally means 10%, this destruction is way beyond 10%, annihilated is more like it.

[@sarahlachman1349]

Good acting, noone should be suprised at this. Of course cheaply built non-hurriance rated strutures would go bye bye. Its always sad seeing places one remembers get destroyed, but this is really an oppertunity to rebuild and rebuild properly, with designs that respect the natual enviroment and are able to surive such storms, even if thay happen once every decade or century Thoughs go to those who have taken a big economic hit, espcially the shop owners, as well as the elderly and retiriers down there. Storms like Ian are the price to live in paradise. Here's hoping when the next Cat 5 hits, every structure is rated to take 20 ft of surge and 150 mph + winds. Wishing everyone there a swift and timly recovery. Ft Myers came back after Charley, and like Mexico Beach, with Mathews you guys will come back. God speed!

[@TheRisible]

This is crazy my father lives in Cape Coral his house is a wreck. I visited fort Myers beach 2 months ago and I’m glad I did it will never be the same again.

[@alteregos8949]

It will be a remodeled vacation spot in the next few years. Once they clear the debris and land owners begin rebuilding, anything that was old will he new afterward.

[@monisha100]

Canadian here feeling so heart broken for Florida as it is our beloved vacation spot every May. We wanted to go to Sanibel Island last time but decided on Anna Maria Island. I am so sad for all that is lost. Just as sad for my Beloved East Costa Canada and the destruction left from Hurricane Fiona. God help all who are reeling from this devestation.

[@JustMe-qq3rc]

Heartfelt sympathies for those effected by this hurricane. I don't understand why they continue to build on sand, homes and business properties cannot withstand these types of downpours and winds. I just don't get it. Why would you want to put all your money, emotion and time into building on or near beaches. It is a beautiful place but it's not safe. My husband grew up in Lake Charles, LA. and lived through Hurricane Audrey. It devastated the area. So many were killed and lost their homes and livelihood. I wish they would not keep building and re-building. I would not want to live anywhere near these areas. Life is precious.

[@andreasbalaskas7292]

Hello from Ireland. While watching all these images you broadcast from helicopter at this attitude, panoramic view. I could say that the size of damage in width (some 143. 6 km - 146, 7 km in width), I had to measure on google earth the width of Florida where Ian hurricane passes, and compare with countries in EU or other parts of world. Jesus Christ, Ian, is like washaway - wipe out 100% Cyprus island, Crete island, Peloponnese in Greece, Ireland, Ajaccio island in Sardinia sea or New Zealand. If hurricane Ian, strike with the same furry these countries or islanding complex I mention, these countries, will no longer exist on earth!

[@carolynhooper7185]

Mr ...Biden has a good heart...

[@F.R.G317]

I listened to this broadcast on the radio live, and now to see the destruction is unimaginable.

[@Anonymous-zo1cf]

they just couldn’t stop talking over eachother lol. but praying every person and animal made it and fast recovery❤️‍🩹

[@alteregos8949]

Bad memories of Charlie. It really doesn’t put anything in perspective unless you see it on the ground. Civilization turns to the stone age. For anyone who decided to ride the storm out, I truly hope they found sanctuary in a somewhat safe place. My guess is they will never ride out a hurricane again if the event happens again.

[@Detcaligirl]

I hope that the ones who didn’t understand the Hurricane Weather Center’s warning of eminent death were able to have the kindness of another’s building that was strong as a shelter 😢✌🏼❤️

[@T1C45]

Ya right You're talking about the people of Florida. They would step over a person dying on the sidewalk and give them a dirty look at that.

[@billpii6314]

@@T1C45 You don't live here do you? I dare say you don't know the people of Florida and you are talking complete BULLSH$T. I've lived on Ft Myers Beach and Ft. Myers and I know for a FACT you are mistaken. I grew up there, my family still lives there and no one is stepping over anyone to give them a dirty look. No they are acting like GOOD people and asking how they can help their friends and neighbors. I don't think you would be welcome there.

[@MzVirtue]

It's bigger than that. Not everyone has the means to evacuate and the roads are limited for travel. Very easy to get stranded at any time. Here in Orlando we are still rescuing people whose homes flooded. It shifted or wobbled it's way across the state. Storms that large are hard to escape.

[@Detcaligirl]

@@T1C45 that’s so fricken sad and wrong dang 🥲✌🏼❤️

[@Detcaligirl]

@@MzVirtue other people with cars should have helped get them to a shelter days b4 the storm. God don’t like ugly and from Side Bite’s comment appears it needed some purging. Just sayin ✌🏼❤️

[@ogokharismatika1351]

Semoga bencana ini menjadi bentuk peringatan agar kita sebagai manusia lebih menghargai dan menjaga kelestarian alam

[@kendallrobertson518]

My family and I live on Ft myers beach and rode out the hurricane and never left. No words can explain how terrifying it was and sadly a lot of people don’t realize how many residents stayed on the island during the storm cause the real number of deaths has not been released due to bodies still being identified. Tons of people stayed especially in the mobile home and RV park called the red coconut. The boats at 19:08 is actually right across the back bay from us. I want to make it known the residents that chose to stay after the hurricane hit in their homes weren’t treated well by law enforcement. It was heartbreaking after living thru the hurricane to be treated that way by those that were there to help. The team that actually asked how we were and if we were ok was the search and rescue team. The video doesn’t show the depth for devastation, everyone first floor is gone. There are a ton of homes that are ripped apart or just completely gone. We are almost 3 weeks post hurricane on Wednesday, everyday we are grateful to be alive. Please don’t judge those who didn’t evacuate as some of us just couldn’t and again the number of those who stayed is more than you think.

[@valariegwendolyn]

Yes. 💗 People who insist that everyone who stayed should've (and could've) evacuated are deluded. 1.) Not everyone has the luxury of taking time off of work to prepare. 2.) Not everyone has a car, 4.) Not everyone can arrange a method of travel, 5.) Runs on gas stations, 6.) Gas stations running out of gas, 7.) Hours-long traffic delays, 8.) gas prices themselves, 9.) Mileage, 10.) Lodging fees, 11.) Pet restrictions, 12.) Syncing an entire family's obligations... Leaving is a logistical nightmare. Additionally, there will always be some people who literally are forced to stay behind. The entire coast can't pack up and move inland, even if they wanted to. Streets would be gridlocked. Emergency vehicles couldn't pass. Accidents would increase. To illustrate just how absurd the idea that everyone could've evacuated is, imagine if it's a more logical world. The military took preemptive measures. The government, realizing that a geographical area is about to be obliterated by forces of nature (but again, the infrastructure won't allow the entire population to move on their own), comes to the rescue. They avoid gridlock on land by air evacuating populations of entire towns to safety. It'd save so many lives- might even cost less than all of the search and rescue shit afterwards, who knows! But that idea, I guess understandably, isn't even considered- because the effort would be gargantuan; and what if the forecast was wrong? All of that effort and money would absolutely be said to have been wasted. How can anyone blame individuals if they did use the same logic? Individual people have less money, far fewer resources, and nowhere near the mobility. Ugh. I'm so sorry this happened to you. There really can't be much I can say that'll be of comfort, because your experience is truly unfathomable. I hope life becomes more kind to you in the future.

[@crazy86753]

I was watching that pier on a live stream while the hurricane was coming in. I was surprised to see the pier destroyed the next day. I also remember seeing three guys going into the water around the pier during the hurricane, and how after only an hour you couldn't see the beach anymore due to the rising water.

[@lorrainebarry7184]

this is so very sad i hope there are not many people that have lost their lives from australia i send my thoughts to everybody that is caught up in this disaster it looks to me like a tsunami has gone through

[@brendak.9144]

us Floridians are a hardy bunch. We help each other Only Emergency responders ,recovery vehicle's can get out their .Soon as possible we will be their. With water , blankets, Food , And offer any help we can possibly do for them .

[@christinecanty5409]

Our coastlines are cut away a little more every time one of these storms come through. It’s tragic all the way around.

[@michaelsadams524]

Please tell every person you see here that they are being prayed for.

[@robtheold617]

I found this particular aerial tour the most troubling. My sister lives on higher ground in Sarasota. I thought she was a "goner" until Ian suddenly jogged to the Northeast. But she's running out of Irish Luck at 63. This is a far cry from my Dad driving me down to Long Island Sound to see the big waves on a Cat 1.

[@gaylareddick598]

THIS WILL KEEP HAPPENING IN THE FUTURE , SO PEOPLE SHOULD FIND OTHER PLACES TO MOVE TO , MORE INLAND INTO FLORIDA & AWAY FROM THE COAST !

[@Naturevsnurture86]

Please save all the animals and wildlife. So sad.

[@Sarahbetterlatethannever]

Heart breaking💔 I’m from Houston and I remember hurricane Ike. It was mild wind wise for us but the storm surge destroyed Boliver peninsula. Same scenario….. there was sand everywhere but there was little to no debris. The homes were mostly older ones. They were just washed away by a Purportedly twenty five foot storm surge. So sad🙏🏼❤️

[@valereehansen4378]

I wonder about those condominiums standing, their structural engineering, architecture, surrounding earth, and safety.

[@handokosugiharto1762]

It's time for US President to take care of his citizen instead of sending money to Ukraine

[@sarahcarpenter7270]

kinda looks like the sea is reclaiming her property . How much of that was part of the sea before mankind started building on it ? I remember as child in West Palm Beach 62 years ago sister in law took us to the beach. We walked for miles before we reached the waves, then in 1998 my family and I went back . I actually cried, concrete covered shells , homes , building every where, roads parking lots,. The beauty was gone . I told my family she will come back and reclaim her property some day , looks like she is doing this . I’m 72 now soon to be 73 and I saw her beauty , now I’m watching her trying to take it back . Prayers for all . But we all reap what we sow.

[@dct1238]

You probably walked for miles *along* the coastline, not miles to the ocean. I grew up in PB County since 1962 (mother is still in same house at 92), and I'm less than an hour north of there now. As the crow flies we're 4 miles west, and the houses in Lake Worth (which are 1 mile from the coast), that you most likely drove through to get to the beach, were there 62 years ago. Yes, some towns have been built up way too much with condos, while others don't allow high rises (like Vero Beach).

[@alliibee4015]

Wow, I am so sad, the people that thought it wouldn't that bad and decided to stay,.

[@happycamper4328]

I wish some news agency would go back To Mexico Beach that was hit so hard a few years ago. Assess their progress, interview the Mayor ect. It would be interesting to hear how they managed their recovery and might give hope to some that are affected now. It's just a thought. Thanks for this coverage.

[@th0rn3gaming]

What happens when you inhabit a small sandbar? I'm sorry to say it but what do people expect?

[@lidiabaker7188]

At least the temperatures are cooperating. It’s not supposed to get that hot. I’m the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew, the days following were so hot. It got up to 115 F with humidity. We had water, but it came out so cold, you couldn’t bathe after enduring those high temps all day sweating in that heat. The bugs were unbearable especially the mosquitos. The prediction is in the upper 80’s. They don’t have electricity, so that’s key.

[@vargeisa44]

son an I were just there an omg I am so heart broke.. my heart goes out to all..

[@thejulesist]

Unbelievable!!!!!

[@gowest5145]

I lived here for a year and a half. I boated in to those marina restaurants. Glad I got to enjoy it when I did and to know that area. Wow! Surreal! Heartbreaking

[@sylviafava2394]

I am just shocked. I was there about 20 years ago. It's just devastating.

[@ennueranesescelestial196]

😢oh my GOD it looks like there’s no sign of life at all,hopefully they’re evacuated before the hurricane struck !!! God please keep everyone safe under your name !!! Amen 😢

[@yanzulyfx9887]

I was raised with : never build castles on sand. That is sand!

[@fvgc454ss]

I was raised on go fuk yourself

[@georgemcdonald6665]

Robert Moses said that!

[@JustinaJayne]

Ugh poor ppl and pets who stayed 😭 poor cats and dogs and small caged animals😭

[@bobcatbigpaws5597]

This is what's sad because people will not leave their pets behind. If I couldn't take my pets with me I would stay with them. Many older people would do this because who wants to leave your babies. Just heartbreaking.

[@Polarcupcheck]

I have a kayak. Cats go in the kayak.

[@practicewhatyoupreach8382]

The pain and suffering caused by this is indeed very very difficult for all Americans to see. But at the same time these people knew what kind of weather hits these parts of the country and the damage it can cause. They'll try to rebuild but insurance companies will go bankrupt.

[@springfauna1465]

I was thinking about the insurance companies too! They're buried with this one!!

[@emmettebramble10]

Structures should be built like the palm trees. Strength is in the flexibility not the rigidity

[@neme640]

Matthew 7 24:27 24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” Read full chapter

[@mikeworkman3593]

This is like if Hurricane Andrew and Charlie had an evil big brother. Holy Shit. I work for the county public transit, and we were just getting ready for the new season and sending our trams and trolleys to FMB. DAMN

[@geotrano8564]

Many meteorologist confuse people. We were expecting the brunt of the storm to hit Sarasota, that's all they were saying. I live in Sarasota , yes we got hit, but not like this. So sad. Obliterated!! Prayers to all.🙏🙏🙏😢

[@springfauna1465]

Yeah, they originally had the path toward Tampa and it wasn't even close. So much for fair warning.

[@michaeldeierhoi4096]

How can meteorologists predict a hurricane that can change direction so easily?? They were able to predict the general area it would hit, but more precise predictions are often impossible. The bigger issue is when we continue to build homes and resorts on the coast that is so vulnerable to such powerful storms. Imagine if this storm had hit Tampa?

[@divinelyprotected46]

Prayers to all of them. I’m in 😭 . This is so 💔. Before my mom passed and she wanted to move to fort myers fla and I’m glad I talked her out of it. I know she sees the damage from heaven. Right before she died she told me I haven’t seen nothing yet and it’s going to make you become closer to god. Now I understand after she passed in feb 2020, it’s true how they say before people who see there creator, they are shown things what is and will happen after they die and I am a firm believer. She told me that this would happen. I hope who ever lost their lives that their family stay closer to god.

[@flat6fever680]

Incredible footage.

[@NotTheEx]

Serious question, forgive my ignorance: Is price the reason America builds with wood and not brick and concrete? If so, is price the only reason? If they get wiped out by wind, fires, and floods, I just don't see the cost efficiency behind that reasoning. Someone help me.

[@michaeldeierhoi4096]

It is a combination of factors at play here. For one the hurricanes were rarely this strong and destructive. So for decades the building standards were not a high priority until Hurricane Andrew hit near Miami as a Cat 5. Then standards were raised again in 2010. But this was only for new homes or buildings. So a lot of these homes destroyed by Ian were older single story homes or buildings. There were so many of the one story homes destroyed I'm sure anything rebuilt will have to meet higher standards. Hurricanes are getting much larger and consistently much stronger. People need to learn this. Better to not build on these vulnerable coast lines at all.

[@NotTheEx]

@@michaeldeierhoi4096 And concrete, what? Wouldn't that help if they would just stop using wood?

[@michaeldeierhoi4096]

@@NotTheEx Higher standards for new construction would include concrete and less wood framing. But it's still a fools errand for people to continue to try and live on these fragile coastal regions. Because the insurance are predicted to jump significantly in the coming years. Only a minority of people even had insurance simply because they couldn't afford it. These hurricanes are expected to increase in intensity. How many more devastating hurricanes will come through before people get the message?!

[@billrobbins5874]

One of our favorite places beside Fort Myers beach was the Edison home. Afraid to ask but is that at least partially standing? So beautiful, like a walk in the past. Hoping for an answer in the future.

[@mushroomman1856]

I was wonder the same about the Mound House. We were scheduled to be at a house on Palermo Cir. behind the N 7/11. Its probably wiped from the map now

[@glennoropeza3545]

Wow! To see a giant front end loader with a 5 yard bucket get filled up every hundred feet full of sand and white mud tells my the magnitude of the damage!

[@mariewilson9398]

90% of these buildings are destroyed. I have been through a 145 mph hurricane and even though it appears there are buildings that are fine, once you actually go in and see the water damage...most of these will need to be torn down.

[@michaeldeierhoi4096]

Yes, even some of the high rise buildings especially those that lost their roof are likely structurally unsound and will need to come down.

[@JohnUsp]

God Bless Florida.

[@sylviafava2394]

What are they going to do if there's another hurricane? The season lasts until December. Right?

[@lettyrodrz9940]

No, until November

[@theprotagonist9466]

Nothing, it's not like there's anything left.

[@sylviafava2394]

@@lettyrodrz9940 Thank you Letty didn't know that. Moved here a year ago.

[@a_goblue2023]

The amount of people who don’t decide to leave in storms like these fascinate me, people underestimate the power of water, this wasn’t winds, this was water. Anyone know stayed on the island during this is unfortunately dead if they weren’t in a larger building

[@ShalomShalom-d5c]

My cousin stayed & said winds were 160mph. Thats wind. Wind drives water. The Wind drove this storm.

[@tvold9204]

@@ShalomShalom-d5c Winds were 150 at landfall but close enough

[@tvold9204]

Oh no it's both. Not sure if you didn't notice the tops of the palms sheared off and some of the rooves of the standing buildings torn but it was both wind and water.

[@iamgabriel5823]

I wish you would take your damn banner down! It blocks most of what you are trying to show us!

[@arthurblundell6128]

Used to visit ft Myers Beach/sanibel year after year - had an identity all of its own - such a great place. Hope the govt digs in real deep for the people. Hope the dear old pelicans survived ok

[@emzywillrich7243]

On that thin strip of land, they should have known their days were numbered before a hurricane destroyed everything. It's really sad to see such destruction.

[@un2ctdawmain267]

Good coverage.

[@dawntowler8183]

Prayers prayers love and more prayers!

[@FairyNews369]

My 74 yo Aunt has a one story cbs in that small community south of FMB. She still works to pay her bills. She lost everything, but because she hunkered down in a 2 story, she is still here. Got one text from her. Lost everything but alive. She is in a state of shock.

[@ChakatNightspark]

Im just wondering how many People are going to be declined Insurance payouts. I am sure its going to be ALOT of people.

[@dawnmazzarella7375]

Why not put a central registry for each district in place before a major storm like Ian makes impact People could let authorities know yes or no if they are Leaving or staying in place. Why look for people who may have left or know for sure who decided to stay in their house. Communication systems are the first to go down after a storm. How hard would it be to register using the internet, town by town.

[@johnminichielli8957]

Did anyone really think something could be built on low-lying waterfront land that could withstand the hurricanes that have always hit the coasts of Florida? When no insurance company will insure these places anymore the insanity of building in these areas may end.

[@richardcruz102]

This is terrifying Florida looks like scenes from world war 2

[@taanana9554]

Very very sad my heart is 💔💔😭God bless everyone Florida safe 🙏

[@mcelgun2815]

Absolutely horrendous and pathetically sad what these people have lost!

[@lamarnewton157]

Nothing left.close it off its over people need to move on to higher ground cause it is going to happen again

[@christianwolf68]

there is nothing that man can build that nature can't tear asunder

[@KallePihlajasaari]

The damage to the palm trees shows us the power of the storm. So many of them had the fronds torn off and that takes a lot of wind. Many will survive because they have evolved to take the punishment from coastal storms, man made structures have to be tough to survive and they don't grow back for free.

[@robbypage7592]

Prayers for everyone involved. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🤧🤧🤧🤧🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@guillermoflores9941]

It's look like in the Philippines Yolanda...keep safe folks

[@patriciaguenzler9150]

Prayers for those who have lost everything Rip praying God forgives us all

[@BB-nv4rg]

Mega WOW

[@Hapenparadise]

Mexico Beach in 2018 EVERYONE FORGETS!! A CAT 5 when hit! Why?!?!? It leveled EVERYTHING! Panhandle area!

[@michaeldeierhoi4096]

And it will happen again and again too!

[@QuantumAlchemist_888]

My heart is broken for these people!!!! So scary!

[@shushyshushy6762]

2:37 It just looks like a massive tsunami came over there... And this was caused by a hurricane... my heart goes out to all those Floridians who didn't make it out, to all their families and for those who have lost everything... As of yesterday, the death toll was 109. I suspect it's probably going to go higher than that in the days to come. 😢

[@ashabuxton4705]

devastated.

[@markhartford9843]

All that water moved inland and brought all of the things from the ocean and beach in. BUT....all of the missing and unaccounted for buildings, vehicles, etc. that are NOT visible MUST have gone OUT to sea when the water receded, and the storm surge reversed as the eyewall passed over. I'd imagine much of what is no longer on shore is up to miles offshore floating around or sunken.

[@valariegwendolyn]

Yes, that's something I keep thinking, too. The sheer volume of man-made flotsam and poison that was sucked back out to sea: twisted metal, plastic, wood, fiberglass, screens, electronics, batteries, paint, barbed wire, razor wire, fences, netting, rope, rubber, styrofoam, actual garbage, sewage, hazardous wastes like coolant, gasoline, solvents, bleach, ammonia; literal rat poison, weed killer, pest spray... not only is it devastating to realize the human loss of life. It's difficult to consider marine creatures that'll be injured by this tsunami of waste.

[@TheOne-gg7rc]

My worst concerns were confirmed after reading an article about the black communities not receiving assistance from the Desantis administration after the devastating and horrific death and destruction hurricane Ian produced in Florida. Thank God I finally found an article where my worse concerns were affirmed. There is a website where black Americans can send donations to black churches in Fort Myers and other places in Florida where blacks were affected by hurricane Ian. We can no longer depend on benevolent white peoples or even our government we served in every aspect of American life to receive proper and adequate care, support and service. We have to start our own Red Cross or we’ll call it the Black Cross or Black Saviors! This is ridiculous! But I understand who God is really after, blacks are just in the way of God’s judgement on America.

[@UpTheRa007]

Nature versus Lodge Nature always wins 🙏

[@juliewhite2062]

I am watching this from Plymouth in the UK. I feel so sad that this has happened to you over there. I pray you are safe. In the UK we don't get anything like you have. It must of been terrifying to go through this storm. So sad the place look's like a bomb has gone off, bless you all and stay safe.

[@heisrisen6898]

There’s power in the name of Jesus Christ

[@cajunboi2133]

This is unbelievable my God give them strength 💪 my heart and prayers 🙏 goes out