Devastating Force of Hurricane Ian Leaves Sanibel Island Cut Off from the Rest of the World — Florida

Sanibel Island in Florida has been devastated by Category 4 Hurricane Ian, which left flooded streets and demolished homes in its wake. Roads were also destroyed and the island is cut off from the rest of the world, as a result.

Sanibel Island's mayor, Holly Smith, said in an open letter to her constituents on Thursday evening that Hurricane Ian's devastation has "forever changed" their community. Sanibel Island is located just southwest of Fort Myers.

Smith wrote in the letter that she is having trouble putting her feelings into words, as with most of the residents are as well in the wake of the previous four days. She continued, "Their island and all of their lives have been forever changed." She concluded by saying that whatever they do today, tomorrow, and in the days, weeks, and months to come, they will strengthen and redefine their community.

Aerial footage from several videos that were posted on social media and showed houses being torn to pieces amid flooded streets supported Smith's claims.

Rescue and Help via Helicopter

According to WeatherNation, the only access point to the island was severely damaged, and the Coast Guard is using a helicopter to carry out rescue operations.

In his morning update on Thursday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis informed the public that Pine Island Bridge and the Sanibel Causeway, which leads to the island, will both need to be rebuilt.

Sheriff Carmine Marceno of Lee County also shared a video on Twitter along with a statement about witnessing the damage firsthand.

Marceno declared that they are heartbroken and that their thoughts are with every affected resident and that the Lee County Sheriff's Office is on the move and will do whatever it takes to assist its citizens.

Flooded streets were littered with debris, there were collapsed bridges, and smoke was coming from houses without roofs. Sanibel Island, Fort Myers, and Cayo Costa are all included in Lee County, where the first landfall of Hurricane Ian was Wednesday afternoon,

Marceno said that While diligently responding to residents who were trapped in their homes, the rescue teams were only just beginning to scratch the surface. Marceno also changed his mind after stating that the storm's death toll would be in the "hundreds" in one of his comment.

Around the island, there are also several parts of flooding as witnessed by Sam Bloch, who took a flight on Thursday to the island to assist in supplying fresh food.

To ensure that everyone who needs food is taken care of, Andres from WC Kitchen will be on location with hot meals from Florida.

Bloch said they will collaborate with the charity to deliver food to the island for those who can't leave.

Read also: Wildlife May Swarm to Different Locations as Hurricane Ian Hits Florida, Officials Warn 

Local Government Action Plan

In her letter, Mayor Smith said that the rescue and transportation to safety of any citizens stranded on the island will be the city's priority.

Smith wrote that as the Mayor and City Manager Dana Souza just ended a phone call with Governor DeSantis, coordination efforts are already underway. The governor gave the officials assurance that the needs of the residents of Sanibel Island would be met despite the team's short- and long-term challenges.

According to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, as of Thursday afternoon, search and rescue teams had saved more than 500 people in the counties of Lee and Charlotte, Newsweek reports.

Related article: Florida Deploys National Guard; Millions Ordered to Evacuate as Hurricane Ian Draws Near