Rescue Efforts Underway After Hurricane Ian Completely Severs Florida Island From Mainland and Causes ‘Catastrophic Damage’
Florida’s Sanibel Island, located just of the state’s western coast near Fort Myers, was devastated and isolated in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. CNN reported two people killed on the island. The Sanibel Causeway, a…

Florida’s Sanibel Island, located just of the state’s western coast near Fort Myers, was devastated and isolated in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.
CNN reported two people killed on the island.
The Sanibel Causeway, a three-mile bridge connecting the island with the mainland, was badly damaged in the storm, according to The New York Times. CNN’s report said the bridge collapsed in five places. That means the island can only be accessed by boat or helicopter.
Lee County officials said the island sustained “catastrophic damage,” according to the Times.
“It got hit with really biblical storm surge,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Roads and structures were washed away, he said.
Sanibel Mayor Holly Smith said about 200 households chose not to leave before the storm. She said 12 people who were injured had been evacuated, with another 40 rescued who were unhurt, according to CNN.


