Fort Myers Beach, United States - September 27, 2024

Fort Myers Beach, once a bustling tourist haven, now lies eerily silent and submerged in the wake of Hurricane Helene's wrath. Drone footage, released by the Lee County Sheriff's Office early on September 27th, paints a stark picture of devastation. The beach, a significant part of Florida's coastline, is barely recognizable under layers of sand and standing water, a testament to the storm's formidable surge and the area's vulnerability to hurricane impacts.

The drone video, which has circulated widely on social platforms, shows roads transformed into rivers, with water covering vast stretches of what was, just days ago, a vibrant beach community. Buildings stand partially submerged, surrounded by debris, highlighting the relentless power of nature that swept through, reshaping the landscape overnight.

This visual documentation comes in the aftermath of Helene making landfall as a Category 4 hurricane, though Fort Myers itself was not directly in its path. Despite this, the storm's indirect effects have been catastrophic, with the storm surge reaching heights that have not only flooded homes but have also displaced boats, creating hazardous conditions for both navigation and rescue operations.