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Hurricane Irma: 10 dead in Cuba as record flooding hits northern Florida – latest news Hurricane Irma: 10 dead in Cuba as record flooding hits northern Florida – latest news
(35 minutes later)
7.16pm BST
19:16
Ed Pilkington is in Evergaldes City, where the recovery will be slower and more difficult than in the south-eastern cities that were lucky enough to avoid the brunt of Irma’s floods.
But the state’s department of health is trying to warn residents across the peninsula that they need to be extremely careful. Some of their guidance:
Don’t eat food contaminated by floodwater. Use only boiled/bottled water. Discard frigerated/frozen food after 4hr power outage
People & pets coming into contact with floodwaters should thoroughly wash & rinse any exposed body parts w/soap & disinfected water
Cans of food should not be eaten if there is a bulging or opening on can or screw caps, soda bottle tops or twist-caps.
If heat exhaustion symptoms become more severe or last longer than one hour, seek medical attention immediately.
During Irma cleanup, drain standing water to preventing mosquito-borne Illness. Storms can lead to an increase in mosquitoes.
Everglades City Hall now an island surrounded by water #Irma pic.twitter.com/cR8tb0hx6j
6.50pm BST
18:50
South eastern Florida has started its recovery, urging people to stay off the roads if possible while cleanup crews get to work.
South western Florida still has floodwaters in some areas, for instance Everglades City, south of Naples. Ed Pilkington is there for the Guardian, trying to see the extent of the storm’s damage and whether anyone stayed behind.
Everglades City under water #Irma pic.twitter.com/BdisCxSESr
Massive trees taking over the streets of Naples. This is why they ask folks to stay off the streets and wait it out. #HurricaneIrma @nbc6 pic.twitter.com/mldyrdlIoi
6.39pm BST6.39pm BST
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The Fort Lauderdale airport will reopen at 4am Tuesday, the airport said in a statement, and city governments from Tampa to Miami are making similar plans – even as their crews are already at work doing cleanup and search and rescue.The Fort Lauderdale airport will reopen at 4am Tuesday, the airport said in a statement, and city governments from Tampa to Miami are making similar plans – even as their crews are already at work doing cleanup and search and rescue.
For residents and business owners of south Florida, the work has also begun to take down the plywood, metal storm shutters and plastic wrap.For residents and business owners of south Florida, the work has also begun to take down the plywood, metal storm shutters and plastic wrap.
A familiar sight for many fleeing Irma in FL, many gas stations are now beginning to reopen pic.twitter.com/gWPPtONoKGA familiar sight for many fleeing Irma in FL, many gas stations are now beginning to reopen pic.twitter.com/gWPPtONoKG
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“Miami Beach didn’t dodge a bullet, we dodged a cannon,” the city’s mayor Philip Levine has told CNN.“Miami Beach didn’t dodge a bullet, we dodged a cannon,” the city’s mayor Philip Levine has told CNN.
“We got hurricane three force winds but thank god. The damage we received – there’s trees all over the ground, there’s power lines down, there’s gas leaks. But we’ve had teams on the ground since the crack of down and they have been there making sure we can clean up the city as fast as possible. We want the residents to return asap.”“We got hurricane three force winds but thank god. The damage we received – there’s trees all over the ground, there’s power lines down, there’s gas leaks. But we’ve had teams on the ground since the crack of down and they have been there making sure we can clean up the city as fast as possible. We want the residents to return asap.”
The west coast also avoided the cataclysmic 10-15ft storm surges that threatened, and that seem to have hit the Keys. Ed Pilkington is currently en route to one of the cities where storm surges were likely most serious on the mainland.The west coast also avoided the cataclysmic 10-15ft storm surges that threatened, and that seem to have hit the Keys. Ed Pilkington is currently en route to one of the cities where storm surges were likely most serious on the mainland.
Driving through flooded roads to reach Everglades City that I'm told is cut off and under 6ft of water in southern Florida. pic.twitter.com/cIaVxFHPI5Driving through flooded roads to reach Everglades City that I'm told is cut off and under 6ft of water in southern Florida. pic.twitter.com/cIaVxFHPI5
Naples, where Irma’s eye crossed onto land, feared intense surges of five to eight feet. The Naples Daily News’ Joseph Cranney is among the reporters surveying the damage.Naples, where Irma’s eye crossed onto land, feared intense surges of five to eight feet. The Naples Daily News’ Joseph Cranney is among the reporters surveying the damage.
Irma flattened the tiki hut at the Cove Inn. pic.twitter.com/f0QplNHg7pIrma flattened the tiki hut at the Cove Inn. pic.twitter.com/f0QplNHg7p
6.17pm BST6.17pm BST
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The Florida Keys have been cut off from the mainland for over 24 hours now, and suffered the brunt of Irma’s category four force for much of Saturday.The Florida Keys have been cut off from the mainland for over 24 hours now, and suffered the brunt of Irma’s category four force for much of Saturday.
The police have closed the only road access to the islands, for fear of how safe its bridges are, and the first helicopter footage of the Keys shows massive flooding all around them. The coast guard has advised people not to even attempt boating to the islands, because of dangerous debris. The military is attempting search and rescue operations for the unknown number of people who are stranded there.The police have closed the only road access to the islands, for fear of how safe its bridges are, and the first helicopter footage of the Keys shows massive flooding all around them. The coast guard has advised people not to even attempt boating to the islands, because of dangerous debris. The military is attempting search and rescue operations for the unknown number of people who are stranded there.
National Geographic photographer Mike Theiss was on one of those people, and has re-established a connection to the internet. He’s tweeted harrowing footage of the storm’s arrival and what’s left in its wake.National Geographic photographer Mike Theiss was on one of those people, and has re-established a connection to the internet. He’s tweeted harrowing footage of the storm’s arrival and what’s left in its wake.
Surge coming in #KeyWest as #HurricaneIrma made landfall. pic.twitter.com/4ToLvAhxOUSurge coming in #KeyWest as #HurricaneIrma made landfall. pic.twitter.com/4ToLvAhxOU
Flooding on north side of #KeyWest from #HurricaneIrma pic.twitter.com/LfEHr3YFksFlooding on north side of #KeyWest from #HurricaneIrma pic.twitter.com/LfEHr3YFks
6.00pm BST6.00pm BST
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In Everglades City, just north of Monroe County – on the southern Gulf coast and an evacuation zone – MSNBC’s Jacob Soboroff films severe flooding that has yet to recede.In Everglades City, just north of Monroe County – on the southern Gulf coast and an evacuation zone – MSNBC’s Jacob Soboroff films severe flooding that has yet to recede.
Total flooding in Everglades City. pic.twitter.com/CZvcZ3JO0gTotal flooding in Everglades City. pic.twitter.com/CZvcZ3JO0g
Power remains out for some 6.5 million homes and businesses around the state, and authorities are urging people to stay off the roads or at least to take care with outed intersections.DownedPower remains out for some 6.5 million homes and businesses around the state, and authorities are urging people to stay off the roads or at least to take care with outed intersections.Downed
High waters around Baughman pic.twitter.com/ChMha8DM4ZHigh waters around Baughman pic.twitter.com/ChMha8DM4Z
Wow! Three large trees in a row are uprooted, buckling the sidewalk along Olive Street #IRMA @CBS12 pic.twitter.com/1MSc2oTWHRWow! Three large trees in a row are uprooted, buckling the sidewalk along Olive Street #IRMA @CBS12 pic.twitter.com/1MSc2oTWHR
5.22pm BST5.22pm BST
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As the sun burns through the clouds aroud south Florida, photographers and residents take stock of Irma’s passage.As the sun burns through the clouds aroud south Florida, photographers and residents take stock of Irma’s passage.
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The National Weather Service is warning that flash floods are likely and extremely dangerous in the Jacksonville area, with the St Johns river and other waterways cresting at record levels.The National Weather Service is warning that flash floods are likely and extremely dangerous in the Jacksonville area, with the St Johns river and other waterways cresting at record levels.
At about 11am, the North Fork Black Creek broke a 1919 all-time record at 25.7ft. The waters are still rising.At about 11am, the North Fork Black Creek broke a 1919 all-time record at 25.7ft. The waters are still rising.
Irma is battering northern Florida on its course toward Georgia, with sustained winds of 65mph. The storm is about 70 miles east of Tallahassee.Irma is battering northern Florida on its course toward Georgia, with sustained winds of 65mph. The storm is about 70 miles east of Tallahassee.
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Jacksonville’s sheriff’s office has ordered people along the St Johns River to “Get out NOW” from evacuation zones, as tropical depression Irma batters the city.Jacksonville’s sheriff’s office has ordered people along the St Johns River to “Get out NOW” from evacuation zones, as tropical depression Irma batters the city.
The department warns that the river is at historic flood levels, with high tide at 2pm. They had earlier told people who needed help to put a white flag or T-shirt somewhere visible on their house, as a plea for assistance.The department warns that the river is at historic flood levels, with high tide at 2pm. They had earlier told people who needed help to put a white flag or T-shirt somewhere visible on their house, as a plea for assistance.
Video shows waves spilling over walkway as tide rises in Jacksonville, Florida.(Via Sarah Hedden) pic.twitter.com/4RFWQA6DsLVideo shows waves spilling over walkway as tide rises in Jacksonville, Florida.(Via Sarah Hedden) pic.twitter.com/4RFWQA6DsL
4.57pm BST4.57pm BST
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Irma by the numbers, as of about noon Monday.Irma by the numbers, as of about noon Monday.
Hours of sustained 185mph winds in the Caribbean: 37 (a record)Hours of sustained 185mph winds in the Caribbean: 37 (a record)
Sustained winds at landfall on the Florida Keys: 130mphSustained winds at landfall on the Florida Keys: 130mph
Strongest reported gust on the US mainland (Naples): 142mphStrongest reported gust on the US mainland (Naples): 142mph
Estimated number of people without power around Florida: as many as 6.5 million.Estimated number of people without power around Florida: as many as 6.5 million.
Estimated number of people in shelters: 160,000Estimated number of people in shelters: 160,000
Estimated number of regional flights canceled in the last week: more than 12,500Estimated number of regional flights canceled in the last week: more than 12,500
Estimated number of people told to evacuate from coastal swaths of Florida: 6.5 million (about a third of the state’s population).Estimated number of people told to evacuate from coastal swaths of Florida: 6.5 million (about a third of the state’s population).
Number of people confirmed killed in circumstances related to the storm: 27Number of people confirmed killed in circumstances related to the storm: 27
Estimated percent of buildings on Barbuda made “uninhabitable”: 90%Estimated percent of buildings on Barbuda made “uninhabitable”: 90%
On French St Martin: 60%On French St Martin: 60%
Number of British soldiers sent to the Virgin Islands, Anguilla and Turks and Caicos: 500Number of British soldiers sent to the Virgin Islands, Anguilla and Turks and Caicos: 500
Size of relief fund from the British government: £32mSize of relief fund from the British government: £32m
Number of French gendarmes, police, security, and medical personnel sent to St Martin and St Barthélemy: 1,115Number of French gendarmes, police, security, and medical personnel sent to St Martin and St Barthélemy: 1,115
Tonnage of medical supplies and food sent by France: 2.2 and 85Tonnage of medical supplies and food sent by France: 2.2 and 85
Number of US marines sent to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico: 950Number of US marines sent to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico: 950
Number of Florida national guard troops mobilized: 7,000Number of Florida national guard troops mobilized: 7,000
Estimated cost of 1992’s hurricane Andrew: $27bnEstimated cost of 1992’s hurricane Andrew: $27bn
Of 2005’s hurricane Katrina: $108bnOf 2005’s hurricane Katrina: $108bn
Of 2017’s hurricane Harvey: $70-108bnOf 2017’s hurricane Harvey: $70-108bn
Size of US relief package approved on Friday for Texas: $15bnSize of US relief package approved on Friday for Texas: $15bn
Cost estimates of hurricane Irma: $15-172bnCost estimates of hurricane Irma: $15-172bn
Current reserve of the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund: $17bnCurrent reserve of the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund: $17bn
Open roads to the Florida Keys on Saturday: 1Open roads to the Florida Keys on Saturday: 1
On Monday: 0On Monday: 0
Time elapsed between category four storms making landfall in US states: 16 daysTime elapsed between category four storms making landfall in US states: 16 days
(Sources: the Guardian, Florida Division of Emergency Management, AP, Governor Rick Scott, Barbuda prime minister Gaston Browne, AP, Gov.uk, CNN, meteorologists Eric Black and Philip Klotzbach, the New York Times, the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, CoreLogic, National Weather Service, Fema)(Sources: the Guardian, Florida Division of Emergency Management, AP, Governor Rick Scott, Barbuda prime minister Gaston Browne, AP, Gov.uk, CNN, meteorologists Eric Black and Philip Klotzbach, the New York Times, the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, CoreLogic, National Weather Service, Fema)
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.07pm BSTat 5.07pm BST
4.46pm BST4.46pm BST
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In eastern Florida, residents are tentatively stepping outide to inspect the damage.In eastern Florida, residents are tentatively stepping outide to inspect the damage.
FLL beach @WPLGLocal10 pic.twitter.com/llH9hdDKV0FLL beach @WPLGLocal10 pic.twitter.com/llH9hdDKV0
"We prepared for a disaster. Yes, there's a lot of damage out here, but it's not what it could've been." - Delray's dep utility director pic.twitter.com/DAcKfXlcB2"We prepared for a disaster. Yes, there's a lot of damage out here, but it's not what it could've been." - Delray's dep utility director pic.twitter.com/DAcKfXlcB2
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.14pm BSTat 5.14pm BST
4.11pm BST4.11pm BST
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A local NBC news team has the first helicopter footage of the Florida Keys, where hurricane Irma first made landfall in Florida.A local NBC news team has the first helicopter footage of the Florida Keys, where hurricane Irma first made landfall in Florida.
The islands are functionally cut off from the outside world: police are keeping people off of US-1, the only road to the mainland, until they can ensure its bridges are safe. The coast guard has ordered people to stay away even with boats, because debris from smashed boats, homes, and vehicles is too dangerous.The islands are functionally cut off from the outside world: police are keeping people off of US-1, the only road to the mainland, until they can ensure its bridges are safe. The coast guard has ordered people to stay away even with boats, because debris from smashed boats, homes, and vehicles is too dangerous.
“Some homes are completely obliterated,” a reporter says. Boats look flung into docks and homes, structures damaged, and a firetruck swamped above its tires, a full 25 hours after the landfall. The Keys are only accessible by air, and it’s difficult to tell where the ocean, floods, and sunken roads begin and end.“Some homes are completely obliterated,” a reporter says. Boats look flung into docks and homes, structures damaged, and a firetruck swamped above its tires, a full 25 hours after the landfall. The Keys are only accessible by air, and it’s difficult to tell where the ocean, floods, and sunken roads begin and end.
Military rescues will begin later today. It’s not known how many people stayed on the Keys despite mandatory evacuation orders.Military rescues will begin later today. It’s not known how many people stayed on the Keys despite mandatory evacuation orders.
LIVE AERIAL VIEWS: First look from the air of the damage #HurricaneIrma left in Florida Keys https://t.co/Kld1t9HhRa pic.twitter.com/2RbMYPRMPVLIVE AERIAL VIEWS: First look from the air of the damage #HurricaneIrma left in Florida Keys https://t.co/Kld1t9HhRa pic.twitter.com/2RbMYPRMPV
3.48pm BST3.48pm BST
15:4815:48
Miami mayor Tomas Regalado is giving a press conference, saying that 72% of the city has lost power .Miami mayor Tomas Regalado is giving a press conference, saying that 72% of the city has lost power .
The priority now that teh winds died down, he says, is to clear the roads.The priority now that teh winds died down, he says, is to clear the roads.
“We had localized flooding but I think for the most part that flooding has receded,” the city manager says.“We had localized flooding but I think for the most part that flooding has receded,” the city manager says.
The emergency manager then takes the podium, saying that rescue teams have been working since late last night, when the winds finally died down to safe levels. “Our main mission is to make sure that our critical infrastructure is protected,” he says. Teams are starting to head out to help people, clear the roads, and inspect endangered water and power lines.The emergency manager then takes the podium, saying that rescue teams have been working since late last night, when the winds finally died down to safe levels. “Our main mission is to make sure that our critical infrastructure is protected,” he says. Teams are starting to head out to help people, clear the roads, and inspect endangered water and power lines.
There are no reported deaths so far in Miami, a law enforcement official says. He urges people to stay away from power lines and the debris near them. “We’re proud of the more than half million citizens of Miami,” he says. Police have heard of isolated looting, he says.There are no reported deaths so far in Miami, a law enforcement official says. He urges people to stay away from power lines and the debris near them. “We’re proud of the more than half million citizens of Miami,” he says. Police have heard of isolated looting, he says.
UpdatedUpdated
at 3.57pm BSTat 3.57pm BST
3.07pm BST3.07pm BST
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Trump: 'these are storms of catastrophic severity'Trump: 'these are storms of catastrophic severity'
Donald Trump has said his thoughts are with the survivors and families of the victims of Hurricanes Irma and Harvey.Donald Trump has said his thoughts are with the survivors and families of the victims of Hurricanes Irma and Harvey.
In a speech at the Pentagon to mark the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, he said:In a speech at the Pentagon to mark the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, he said:
These are storms of catastrophic severity and we are marshalling the full full resources of the federal government to help our fellow Americans in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee and all of those wonderful places and states in harm’s way.These are storms of catastrophic severity and we are marshalling the full full resources of the federal government to help our fellow Americans in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee and all of those wonderful places and states in harm’s way.
When Americans are in in need, Americans pull together. And we our one country. And when we face hardship we emerge, closer, stronger and more determined than ever.When Americans are in in need, Americans pull together. And we our one country. And when we face hardship we emerge, closer, stronger and more determined than ever.