Hurricane Milton Devastates Florida: At Least 10 Dead and Millions Without Power

Hurricane Milton, which struck Florida on October 9, has left at least 10 people dead and more than three million homes and businesses without power. Initially a Category 5 storm, it weakened to a Category 3 upon landfall, before being downgraded to a "Hurricane-Force Extratropical Low" as it moved across the state.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced resources for recovery, including interest-free loans for affected businesses and a 24-hour support hotline. Search and rescue operations have successfully aided 340 individuals and 49 pets thus far.

The hurricane’s impact has been significant, with severe damage reported in multiple communities. Aerial footage shows devastation, including collapsed structures and flooded streets. President Biden has emphasized the need for emergency funding to support recovery efforts and urged Congress to act swiftly.

As recovery operations continue, residents are being warned to wait for official all-clear signals before returning to affected areas. Storm surge warnings remain in place, highlighting ongoing hazards even as the storm moves away from Florida.