Hurricane Milton. The death toll is rising – media

At least 15 people died in Florida as a result of tornadoes, flooding and fallen trees caused by Hurricane Milton, CNN reported on Thursday, citing local authorities. At least 9 victims were previously reported.

The highest number of deaths so far has been reported in St. County. Lucie on the east coast of Florida, where at least six people died and where as many as nine tornadoes were observed in 90 minutes.

Two people died in St. Petersburg near Tampa (cause unknown), four in Volusia County and one each in Citrus, Hillsborough and Polk counties.

READ ALSO: Explosions, tornadoes, torn roofs. Milton on recordings

The damage caused by the hurricane is still being assessed. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis admitted that although the hurricane – called a potential “storm of the century” – caused serious damage, including the loss of power to 3.4 million residents, the state avoided the worst-case scenario, and storm waves were not as huge as feared.

Flooding and flooding were reported in many places, and in Tampa, the wind ripped off the roof of a baseball stadium where emergency workers were sheltering.

DeSantis announced that 340 people and 49 pets were saved as part of the emergency response. The Fitch Ratings agency initially estimated that the losses of insured property amounted to approximately USD 50 billion.

As of Thursday evening, 2.9 million residents and businesses were still without power, even though an additional 40,000 were brought to the state before Milton's arrival. electricians from all over the country.

Summarizing the events of the night from Wednesday to Thursday, the president Joe Biden he said that although it was too early to fully assess the damage, the preparations made by the authorities allowed many lives to be saved. 80,000 people evacuated before the hurricane. people. However, the president warned that more victims are often found after a hurricane than during it.

Biden also again condemned the disinformation spread about the hurricane and the authorities' actions, which led to employees of services and aid agencies receiving threats.

– Those who perpetrate such lies undermine confidence in the rescue work that is ongoing and ongoing. These lies are also harmful to those who need help most. People's lives are at risk. People are in desperate situations. Have the decency to tell them the truth, Biden appealed.