State and local officials say rescue and emergency response missions have been delayed in some hard-hit areas because of dangerous storm conditions.
In Charlotte County, Emergency Management Director Patrick Fuller said Wednesday night that emergency response teams there will not be able to answer calls for help “until hazardous conditions are over.” Officials expect to continue to respond Thursday morning.
Other counties have been inundated with emergency calls, with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office saying they are in “classification mode”.
“We are receiving a significant number of calls from people trapped by water in their homes,” the office said in a statement. statement Wednesday.
“Some are reporting life-threatening medical emergencies in deep water. We will get to them first. Some leopards had water in their homes that was not life-threatening. They will have to wait. Maybe until the water recedes. “
First responders in Fort Myers are currently surveying the damage, according to Fort Myers . Fire Department early Thursday morning.
“Crews reported debris in the roadway, flooding, downed power lines, power poles on the road, traffic lights out, disabled vehicles and building collapses,” the ministry said. know and ask residents to stay indoors.
Governor Ron DeSantis warned during a press conference Wednesday that 911 calls may not be answered immediately in some areas.
“Local first responders will deploy as soon as it is safe to do so,” DeSantis said, adding, “In general, until the storm has passed, they won’t be in a rescue situation and place loved ones. put them in jeopardy”.
