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Hurricane Irma - Page 9

And now begins the search and rescue phase for all those in the Keys who felt the need to stay behind. Reports from Key West are the electric, water and sewer infrastructure has been destroyed. There's no services for anyone. All cell towers demolished - communication destroyed. There is a single working landline in Key West that can call out but not receive incoming calls. Governor's fly-over showed boats demolished in the roads where they were lifted out of the bays and wharfs. House trailers and shanties utterly wiped out. There's probably hurt and dead people out there in the less-than-fortified homes that chose to stay. Estimates are thousands stayed behind - could be really bad and rescuers are only now working their way down.

Heard on NPR: Many who fled are being held back from traveling back to their homes by police and they're quite upset at not being allowed to assess damages to their property. Reporter says it's because the roads are needed for rescue efforts and authorities don't want to deal with the impending traffic jams for those wanting to return to a life that won't be the same for many years to come.

Irma Hurricane

No electricity, homes in ruins: A reporter goes home and finds misery, hope and resilience in the U.S. Virgin Islands. USA TODAY reporter Fredreka Schouten writes of her journey back to the U.S. Virgin Islands after Irma and Maria. "I first glimpse the damage to my home island from afar: A line of beaches pounded clean of sand by hurricane-driven waves. Blue tarps covering scores of roofless homes as my small commuter plane heads for a landing at the airport here. Up close, it's worse." Source 9b.