Search and rescue efforts underway in Florida after ‘catastrophic’ hurricane

Search and rescue efforts are underway in Florida after a devastating Class 4 hurricane made landfall Wednesday.

Not less than 77 folks have been confirmed lifeless and greater than 860,000 persons are nonetheless with out energy, in response to NBC Information. There’s “vital harm” alongside Florida’s west coast and plenty of houses in central elements of the state are nonetheless underwater, FEMA director Deanne Criswell advised ABC’s “This Week” Sunday.

She mentioned the street to restoration goes to be lengthy.

“We’re nonetheless actively within the search and rescue section, attempting to be sure that we’re accounting for everyone that was within the storm’s path, and that we undergo each residence to be sure that we do not depart anyone behind,” she mentioned.

Criswell mentioned Hurricane Ian was “catastrophic,” and officers knew it might have a huge impact on Florida residents. Numerous federal and state search and rescue sources had been staged and able to exit “instantly” after the storm, she mentioned.

“They had been out earlier than dawn on Thursday,” Criswell mentioned. “They’re nonetheless there right this moment.”

Sen. Rick Scott of Florida echoed that sentiment whereas addressing considerations over rebuilding cellular residence parks in Florida and the necessity for probably stricter constructing codes. He mentioned these choices ought to be determined by every county.

“You do not ever need these items to occur once more,” he mentioned throughout an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday. “I believe each county goes to have to have a look at that and say, ‘Does that make sense to their county.”‘

Commenting on total restoration efforts, Scott addressed considerations within the property insurance coverage market, noting that insurance coverage fraud is hurting some corporations in Florida or discouraging others from conducting enterprise within the state.

“It’s important to have stricter constructing codes,” he mentioned. “It’s important to just be sure you study from each storm and on high of that it’s a must to be certain that there isn’t any fraud.”

President Joe Biden will go to Florida on Wednesday to satisfy with officers and assess storm harm, the White Home introduced Saturday.

He can even go to Puerto Rico as it really works to get better from Hurricane Fiona, which hit the island as a Class 1 storm in September.

“We’ll do the whole lot we will to get these communities again on their ft,” Biden mentioned on Twitter.