AT least 16 people have died from Hurricane Milton which caused heavy floods and storms in Florida, United States, with over 1000 persons rescued.
The disaster dropped more than 18 inches of rain over parts of the Tampa Bay area representing a more than 1-in-1000-year rainfall event for the area.
CNN reported that a man in his 60s was found dead at his home after rescue agents arrived at his house north of downtown Orlando. He was reported to have stepped on a downed power line while cleaning debris from Hurricane Milton.
While an investigation into the man’s death is still ongoing, the death toll by county includes six in St. Lucie County, two in Pinellas County, four in Volusia County, one in Citrus County, one in Hillsborough County, one in Polk County, and one in Orange County.
The ICIR reports that this is the fifth hurricane to hit the United States in 2024. According to the National Hurricane Center, the storm cut through the state and moved offshore in the early hours of Thursday, October 10.
Meanwhile, Milton is the third hurricane to strike Florida in 2024. It began on Wednesday evening and left over three million people without power across the state.
According to CNN, wind gusts reaching 100 mph were recorded near Tampa, prompting a flash flood emergency and causing the suspension of emergency services in the area.
Reports indicate that in several areas, it is still unsafe to venture outside or return home due to flooding and severe weather conditions.
In the meantime, various organisations in the US are getting donations to help the disaster victims.
Multimedia journalist covering Entertainment and Foreign news