United States: Recovery begins in Florida following Hurricane Irma /update 11

Event

Recovery efforts are underway in the state of Florida following the passage of Hurricane Irma, which made landfall on Sunday as a category 4 storm and resulted in significant damages. As of the morning of Tuesday, September 12, some 60 percent of the state (including much of the city of Miami) remains without power and authorities are warning some areas may be without electricity into the coming days and potentially weeks. Flooding, downed power lines, and shortages of fuel and other basic necessities are widespread, and residents are being warned to be on the alert for displaced alligators and snakes.

Very limited access to the Florida Keys island chain - one of the worst-hit areas - has been restored, although most of the area is without power and dependable cell phone service, and many stores and gas stations remain closed. The Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Miami (MIA) international airports began to resume operations on Tuesday but residual disruptions are to be anticipated over the coming days. Overnight curfews implemented over the weekend are progressively being canceled, although the 19:00-07:00 curfew in Miami Dade county remains in effect as of Tuesday morning.

Additional transportation disruptions are likely across the region in the coming days, even once normal services resume, as airlines work to clear backlogs and evacuated residents seek to return home.

Flash warnings remain in effect for various areas in the southeast of the country. However, all tropical storm and storm surge warnings have been lifted.

Context

Mandatory evacuations were ordered for much of southern and central Florida and the Atlantic coast of Georgia in the past week. More than 6 million people across Florida evacuated in anticipation of the storm, the largest evacuation in the state's history.

A total of ten people have been confirmed killed in the United States (six in Florida, three in Georgia, and one in South Carolina) but the death toll could rise in the coming days.

Advice

Individuals present in the southeastern US are advised to keep abreast of weather alerts, confirm travel reservations, stay away from downed power lines, and adhere to all advice issued by the local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult. Finally, because floodwater may also contain wastewater or chemical products, wear boots and try to avoid any contact with the water. All items having come into contact with the water should be washed and disinfected. Dispose of any food that may have come into contact with floodwater.