Joe Biden warns Hurricaine Ian could be 'deadliest' in history of Florida

The US Coast Guard began rescue efforts around daybreak on barrier islands near where the Ian struck, Mr DeSantis said. Fire departments fanned out in flooded areas as well

Damaged homes and debris in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian (Wilfredo Lee/AP)

US President Joe Biden has said that early reports show "what may be substantial loss of life" in the State of Florida as a result of Hurricaine Ian

Mr Biden was speaking at the FEMA headquarters in Washington DC this afternoon.