Florida Starts Massive Hurricane Cleanup

[seafan]

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. Aug. 15, 2004 — Residents left homeless by Hurricane Charley's 145 mph winds dug through their ravaged homes on Sunday, sweeping up shattered glass and rescuing what they could as President Bush promised rapid delivery of disaster aid.
With temperatures in the 90s and humidity that made it feel hotter, people waited with carts in long lines to buy ice. Supermarkets gave away water in five cities as more than 1 million people remained without power and 2,400 stayed in emergency shelters.


"It's as close to hell as I can think of," said Khoum Khampapha, a resident of Easy Street in Port Charlotte, as he looked around his neighborhood of gutted homes. "It's just breathtaking."

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The Federal Emergency Management Agency was sending teams of medical, urban rescue and communication workers; at least 60 semitrailers containing cots, blankets, meals, portable toilets, wash kits and other necessities; and truckloads of water and ice to be deployed in the affected areas. FEMA said the state has requested catastrophic housing for 10,000 people.

More than 4,000 National Guard troops have been activated.

In five cities, supermarkets gave away water and portable automated teller machines were being set up to distribute cash. Residents stood in long lines to buy water and ice.

"It's going to be awesome shock and awe that's our goal," said Gov. Jeb Bush, the president's younger brother.

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http://abcnews.go.com/wire/US/ap20040815_1099.html