Volusia County rebuilds, restores power after widespread damage from Hurricane Ian

Mike Springer,Brittany Caldwell
·2 min read
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Volusia County beaches are experiencing significant erosion, with piers and dunes damaged.

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Homes and businesses are destroyed and thousands of people are still without power.

In Daytona Beach Shores, the damage was widespread, but the recovery is underway.

Ian’s powerful storm impacts caused major flooding.

Read: Video: Ian leaves damaged buildings in Daytona Beach and Daytona Beach Shores

One Daytona Beach Police officer waded through flooded water to carry a child to safety.

In South Daytona, people used airboats to rescue those trapped in their homes as the floodwaters came rushing in, trapping them inside.

Daytona Beach resident Mario Hayes said he was wondering who he could call, but he did not believe anyone would be able to save him during the storm.

Read: Hurricane Ian: Video shows rough seas washing away part of Daytona Beach Sunglow Pier

Gas is also in short supply in some places. Gas Buddy estimates about 20% of the pumps in Orlando are out of at least one type of gas.

Michael Malick, another Daytona Beach resident, said he managed to get some gas out of the pump.

“Two people came up behind me and they said they’ve been looking everywhere,” Malick said. “He said, ‘We have been driving two hours and couldn’t find anything.’”

Read: WATCH: Hurricane Ian blows Channel 9′s Daytona Beach cam upside down

Line crews were busy working to get power on. Florida Power and Light estimate that most of Volusia and Flagler counties will be back on by Tuesday and most of Brevard should have power by Sunday.

The lack of power caused people to rush to Ace Hardware in Holly Hill looking for generators and gas tanks, which are in short supply, but a resupply truck is on the way.

Floridians are beginning to do what they do best: come together and help each other rebuild.

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