While rescue workers continue to search for victims, cleanup work has begun in Florida following the passage of the second hurricane in two weeks. US President Biden would like to get an idea of the situation on site.
After Hurricane Milton passed through, people in Florida are returning to their partially destroyed homes. Nearly 2.5 million homes and businesses were still without power today, and some areas remained under water.
In the previous days, the highest alert level had been in effect, with authorities warning of a once-in-a-century storm with absolutely devastating consequences. The major catastrophe ultimately failed to materialize, but at least 16 people were killed and the damage caused was extensive.
Deaths mainly from tornadoes
According to US authorities, most of the deaths were apparently not caused by the hurricane directly, but by tornadoes that “Milton” triggered before it made landfall. According to authorities, six deaths were counted in St. Lucie County, four in Volusia County, two in Pinellas and one each in four other counties.
The hurricane tore down trees and power lines, and houses were damaged or destroyed. In the city of St. Petersburg, the storm covered the roof of a stadium. US President Joe Biden estimated the damage caused at 50 billion dollars, the equivalent of around 45.7 billion euros.
Further warning of dangers
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spoke of more than 1,600 people rescued. The search for further victims and the clean-up work were in full swing. The authorities also warn of dangers – for example from downed power lines lying in the water.
“Milton” made landfall late Wednesday evening, local time, about 100 kilometers south of Tampa as a level 3 hurricane with wind speeds of up to 193 kilometers per hour – and then swept from west to east over Florida. During the night the storm weakened and moved out to sea.
Biden travels to Florida on Sunday
It was the second severe storm in just two weeks: A few days earlier, “Helene” had hit the southeastern United States and left devastating devastation in several states. At least 237 people were killed by “Helene”, numerous buildings were damaged or completely destroyed, and large areas were flooded.
Biden wants to visit areas in the state of Florida hit by Hurricane Milton next Sunday. The White House announced this, but initially did not provide any details about the exact travel route. Biden was informed about federal relief efforts and the clean-up work after Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene.
A rapid analysis by the World Weather Attribution research initiative came to the conclusion that, due to climate change, the rainfall in “Milton” was 20 to 30 percent and the winds were 10 percent more violent than they would have been otherwise.