Florida officials have confirmed at least 21 confirmed deaths with the expectation that this number could grow. Many search and rescue teams have been deployed throughout Florida and the most heavily impacted areas. Hurricane Ian made landfall near Fort Myers Wednesday as a Category 4 hurricane with devastating winds and heavy rainfall.
THE HILL: 21 deaths reported from Hurricane Ian, Florida Division of Emergency Management says
Julia Shapero; September 30, 2022
The director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management said on Friday that there have been 21 deaths reported so far in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, as search and rescue efforts continue.
The only confirmed death thus far is in Polk County in central Florida, Florida Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie said at a press briefing on Friday morning.
Another 12 unconfirmed deaths have been reported in Charlotte County, just north of Fort Meyers, and eight unconfirmed deaths have been reported in Collier County, south of Fort Meyers, according to Guthrie.
Guthrie said they are still evaluating the situation in Lee County, which encompasses the hard-hit Fort Meyers, and do not yet have a death toll.
Hurricane Ian made landfall in Cayo Costa near Fort Meyers on Wednesday as a Category 4 hurricane, devastating the area with heavy rainfall, forceful winds and massive storm surges. Ian is now moving north and is poised to make landfall in South Carolina on Friday afternoon.
Photo: Phalen M. Ebenhack/AP Photo