President Joe Biden has declared a “major disaster” in Florida after Hurricane Ian left a trail of destruction in its wake.
At least three deaths have been reported, homes have been flooded, a hospital lost part of its roof and the storm, one of the strongest hurricanes to ever hit the United States, knocked out power to millions.
The president has ordered federal aid to help recovery efforts in affected areas which can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs and low-cost loans to cover uninsured property loss.
Federal funding is also available to local government and some not-for-profit groups to fund debris removal, and to mitigate against further hazards.
Hurricane Ian made landfall on Wednesday, roaring into southwest Florida as a strong Category 4 Hurricane with winds of up to 155 mph. Its winds extended outward hundreds of miles, and rain poured over much of the state.
It came ashore some 100 miles south of Tampa, missing the densely populated Tamp Bay area for a direct hit.
The National Hurricane Center downgraded Ian to a tropical storm status on Thursday morning, with wind speeds around 76 miles per hour but the storm is still above land and is only expected to pass over the Atlantic Ocean later Thursday.
Some people have taken to social media to plea for help after they were trapped in their homes.
The president’s declaration comes as concerns mount for 23 missing migrants after their boat sank off the coast of Florida in the midst of Hurricane Ian.
Attractions in parts of Florida including Walt Disney World Resort Florida and Universal Orlando Resort closed as the storm moved across the state, and a Florida bird park posted a photo of flamingos hunkering own in a bathroom at the park.
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