The worst of it was in coastal southwest Florida communities such as Sanibel. The small island with 6,500 residents was severed from land when the only roadway to the island collapsed.

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PHOTO: A home burns in the wake of Hurricane Ian on Sanibel Island, Fla., Sept. 29, 2022.

Fire breaks out on Sanibel Island following the arrival of Hurricane Ian/Credit: Wilfredo Lee: AP