Aerial cameras provide a haunting view of Hurricane Ian's damage | USA TODAY

The state of Florida suffered unprecedented damage from from Hurricane Ian. Aerial cameras offer a look at the scale of the damage.

Researchers who study flooding, development and climate change were horrified by the emerging images but not surprised. For years, they have warned that sprawling development in Florida and other coastal states wasn't sustainable, especially with the warming climate supercharging hurricane rainfall.

"This is kind of what we had expected for days in advance, and it's still heartbreaking to see so many people stranded," said Kevin Reed, associate professor in atmospheric science at Stony Brook University in New York.

He and other experts said they expect Ian's devastation to lead to a push for Florida to do more to protect residents from flooding as the warming climate makes natural disasters and rainfall more extreme.

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#Florida #Drone #Damage

[Hippielife]

Thank you for this… I live in Lee County and went through the hurricane… it was so scary

I didn’t know that impact until
The internet was restored.

I sobbed the entire time watching, , , I’ve lived here since the early 80s

Thank you❤

[Davett]

Devastating! I'm old and handicapped, ....If I had been living here, there would not be a way of coming back from this disaster. I have barely enough money to keep myself fed. I rely on some help from agencies that help seniors, stay in their homes. I can't afford to go to a nursing home or retirement community. My heart aches for all the people effected by this disaster. Prayers to all, for better days in the future.

[charleswhan]

These pictures of the damage do no justice. My house got flooded during the hurricane but it’s still standing. The emotional toll this has taken on the community is hard to describe. This hurricane was far more devastating than even the best experts could have predicted.

[ddivincenzo]

My thoughts and prayers are with those affected.

[dalewagner]

i live in venice and the damage here is wild the peace river is just a short drive from here and all flooded 2 leves broke and alot of homes back there are flooded

[janetg]

Omg this is absolutely 💯 Those poor people 🙏🙏🙏 for All affected by Ian 🙏🙏🙏♥️♥️♥️‼️

[karinakhan]

Feel so bad for those who have lost it all😢

[helenabrus]

When will they stop building on the barrier islands; storm after storm, damage and huge financial impacts.

[BigDogRidgeback]

Your vidoes are always welcome. But may i remind everyone that Florida ws once under water.

[золотаяаришка]

Господи это ужасно!!!Держитесь, мы в России очень хорошо знаем что такое терять близких и дома!!🇸🇮❤️❤️❤️

[darellsimons]

it was a vary scary storm for me god bless others 🙏

[elizabethmiranda]

RIP Bonnie Gauthier. She Passed away in this hurricane in Florida 😪😪💔

[warningsigns]

God loves a humble heart - government goons with 5 pensions are not humble - they have haughty spirits

[brianlam]

4:06 omg those houses are still under water after more than a week

[Zestlife]

My heart goes out to everyone who lost their homes the fear anxiety I would hope that if you live in a white zone area or in the barrier islands it’s going to happen again there’s a reason why it’s called barrier island cuts it’s a barrier for water coming onto inland but as I see hurricanes go right over barriers and the surge of water is heavy and it destroys everything along with the wind as I see all the videos of the homes that are flattened I would not Rebuild in that area ever again

[Zestlife]

What are people to do it will most likely take several years to rebuild a town that has been flattened rebuilding would take years where are they going to live? Not only that it’s the mold, the air quality the sewage, diseases, rot is unhealthy to even walk on or breathe

[stephenblake]

Rebuild at your own risk $$$$ the poor are screwed???

[elliesummer]

Reminds me of Abaco after Hurricane Dorian💔

[theendofallchannels]

if this one act doesnt earn americas respect, then america is doomed

[Zestlife]

I feel so bad my heart hurts for everyone but, the devastation and loss of lives is it worth living in those areas that were hit especially in the barrier islands I would not rebuild there there’s a reason why it’s called barrier islands it’s a barrier for storms I wonder if any one has seen Aerial footage of how Fort Myers Sanibel Island, It will be flooded again any little storm passes by now has sunk in the ocean it will sink and continuously sink Florida is known to be a sinkhole and people are not paying attention to the Signs of catastrophe to rebuild if you’re going to have that worry every day of hurricanes that might come your way and destroy your home again, I would move away from Florida I’ve been reading that people who lived in Florida have moved because of the hurricanes they cannot take it anymore, they were very smart to leave when they could this is a continuous devastation that will never end take this hurricane into consideration that more will come, Sanabel island will never be paradise again it’s a flood zone area not worth building homes there anymore, please don’t take this comment personally but the aerial view of this devastation is why I never retired in Florida thank God