At Least 10 Dead, Millions Without Power as Hurricane Milton Slams Florida
At least 10 people have been confirmed dead in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced during a White House briefing on Thursday. The powerful storm ravaged Florida's coastline, leaving a trail of destruction and plunging millions into darkness.
Rescue teams worked tirelessly on Thursday, pulling residents from the wreckage left by Milton. The hurricane smashed through coastal communities, tearing homes apart, flooding streets with mud, and spawning a barrage of deadly tornadoes. \"The scale of devastation is unlike anything we've seen in recent years,\" said one rescue worker.
Arriving just two weeks after the devastation caused by storm Helene, Hurricane Milton knocked out power to more than 3.4 million customers. Barrier islands were flooded, the roof of a baseball stadium was torn off, and a construction crane toppled over, highlighting the storm's immense power.
The hurricane altered its course southward in the final hours, making landfall late Wednesday as a Category 3 storm in Siesta Key, approximately 112 kilometers south of Tampa. Damage was widespread, and authorities warn that water levels may continue to rise for days, posing further risks to affected communities.
Tragically, five people lost their lives in tornadoes that struck the Spanish Lakes Country Club near Fort Pierce on Florida's Atlantic Coast, where numerous homes were destroyed. In Tampa, police discovered a woman who had been killed by a fallen tree branch, underscoring the storm's deadly impact.
Approximately 80,000 people spent the night in shelters, seeking refuge from the storm's fury. Thousands more evacuated following mandatory evacuation orders issued across 15 Florida counties, affecting a total population of about 7.2 million people. Authorities are urging residents to remain cautious and follow safety guidelines as recovery efforts continue.
\"Our hearts go out to the families affected by this tragedy,\" Secretary Mayorkas stated. \"We are committed to providing all necessary support to aid in the rescue and recovery operations.\"
As Florida begins the arduous process of rebuilding, communities are coming together to support one another. Emergency services, volunteers, and aid organizations are on the ground, working to restore power, provide essential supplies, and assist those displaced by the hurricane.
(With input from AP)
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Hurricane Milton leaves at least 10 dead and millions in the dark
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