Hurricane Milton Ravages Florida: At Least 10 Dead, Millions Without Power
At least 10 people have been confirmed dead in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced at a White House briefing on Thursday.
Rescue teams are working tirelessly to retrieve Florida residents from the wreckage left by Milton, which smashed through coastal communities, tearing homes apart, filling streets with mud, and spawning a series of deadly tornadoes.
Widespread Power Outages and Damage
Arriving just two weeks after the devastation wrought by storm Helene, Milton has knocked out power to more than 3.4 million customers, flooded barrier islands, ripped the roof off a baseball stadium, and toppled a construction crane.
The storm shifted southward in its final hours, making landfall late Wednesday as a Category 3 hurricane in Siesta Key, approximately 112 kilometers south of Tampa. The damage is widespread, and authorities warn that water levels may continue to rise for days.
Tragic Losses and Destruction
Five people were killed by tornadoes in the Spanish Lakes Country Club near Fort Pierce on Florida's Atlantic Coast, where homes were demolished, authorities reported. In Tampa, police discovered a woman dead beneath a fallen tree branch.
Mass Evacuations and Shelter Overcrowding
About 80,000 people spent the night in shelters, and thousands more fled after authorities issued mandatory evacuation orders across 15 Florida counties, affecting a total population of about 7.2 million people.
\"Our thoughts are with those affected by this devastating storm,\" said Governor Ron DeSantis. \"We are deploying all available resources to assist in rescue and recovery efforts.\"
Ongoing Rescue Operations
Emergency services continue to navigate flooded streets and debris-strewn neighborhoods to reach stranded residents. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, and officials are urging people to stay safe and heed warnings as conditions remain dangerous.
(With input from AP)
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Hurricane Milton leaves at least 10 dead and millions in the dark
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