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On Saturday, Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida said that SpaceX CEO, Elon Musk was providing 120 Starlink terminals to “help bridge some of the communication issues.”

Starlink is SpaceX’s satellite-based broadband internet system. And it will aid the first responder hurricane rescue efforts by providing them with high-speed connectivity.

Musk has launched thousands of Starlink satellites to target areas around the world that lack reliable service. There are now more than 450,000 global subscribers. 

Earlier this year Starlink was deployed to aid Ukraine after it was invaded by Russia.  And last week the Starlink system was made available to Iran where the authoritarian government has blocked internet access because of the nationwide protests.

 Florida storm update

Hurricane Ian hit Cuba, Florida, and North Carolina last week. The Florida storm hit as a Category 4. It was one of the most powerful hurricanes to make landfall since weather events have been recorded. And cause catastrophic damage and death.

National Weather Service meteorologist Tyler Fleming explained that the massive storm surge created record floods. And the water levels aren’t expected to drop significantly for days.

The search and rescue operations are still ongoing. By Monday it was reported that more than 1,000 people were rescued from areas flooded by storm surges along Florida's southwestern coast.

So far 47 storm-related deaths have been reported in Florida. 3 people died in Cuba. And four deaths occurred in North Carolina. 

Areas are still isolated due to flooded roads. And bridges have been washed-out to barrier islands leaving survivors inaccessible.

The cell phone and internet coverage are spotty. And it is hoped that the SpaceX satellite system will help in the search efforts.

Florida utilities were working to restore power. As of Sunday morning, nearly 850,000 homes and businesses were still without electricity. Initially, after the storm hit, over 2.5 million had their power down.