After passing through the Florida peninsula, Hurricane Milton has caused severe flooding from rains and storm surge, destruction, hundreds of thousands of evacuees, and over a dozen deaths.
The hurricane, now in open waters and maintaining category 1 status, has sustained maximum sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour, according to the latest bulletin from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in the United States.
Cities are facing severe flooding, storm-spawned tornadoes have devastated the state, over three million homes and buildings are without electricity, and extensive damage has occurred. The eye of Hurricane Milton has already left Florida after crossing it from west to east, although meteorologists have warned that the area will still experience heavy rains and winds associated with the cyclone.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) placed the hurricane east of Cape Canaveral, with sustained maximum winds still around 140 kilometers per hour -- it remains a category 1 hurricane. The central and eastern areas of Florida remain under threat, although the worst has passed on the western coast.
Authorities had recommended the evacuation of over five million people in Florida, with messages from the President of the United States, Joe Biden, who warned that leaving on time was "a matter of life or death."
The Florida Government warns that it is not yet time to leave, due to flooding
Florida authorities urged affected communities by Hurricane Milton not to go out yet, as flooding continues, even though the cyclone has left the state after crossing it from west to east.
Kevin Guthrie, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), said today that Hillsborough County, in the central west coast, or areas on the east coast and in the center of the state remain flooded.
"Roads are flooded, and there is still the possibility of dangerous conditions. Do not walk or drive on them," Guthrie warned.
He added that people should not visit the affected areas because it complicates rescue efforts and hinders emergency services from doing their job.
"During the first 72 hours after a storm, efforts are made to search, secure, and stabilize the affected areas. Stay away from the affected areas and allow emergency and energy teams to do their job," Guthrie said on social media.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said this afternoon that at least 340 people and 49 pets have been rescued, and hundreds of rescuers are involved in missions in 26 counties in Florida.
Hurricane Milton leaves a trail of death and destruction in its path through Florida
Hurricane Milton has claimed the lives of at least 13 people and left a trail of destruction in its path through Florida (USA), which saw deadly tornadoes, severe flooding, and where still 2.9 million users remain without power, in addition to causing damages estimated at up to 60 billion dollars (about 55 billion euros).
However, authorities and affected individuals breathe a sigh of relief because "it could have been worse," as Michael, a resident of Fort Myers who evacuated before the arrival of Hurricane Milton, told EFE. Milton, maintaining the threat of storm surge, hit central Florida with torrential rains and strong winds, after making landfall on Wednesday night on the west coast of the state as a major Category 3 hurricane, with winds of up to 205 kilometers per hour (120 miles).
Six of the deaths occurred in St. Lucie County, in the area known as the Treasure Coast, as a result of tornadoes related to Milton that led to the issuance of 116 tornado warnings, according to the state governor, Ron DeSantis.
Milton, now an extratropical phenomenon, has left Florida after crossing the state from west to east, although experts warn that the east coast may still experience intense rainfall and storm surges.
Biden calls the leaders of Germany and Angola after postponing his tour due to Hurricane Milton
The US President, Joe Biden, called the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, and the President of Angola, João Lourenço, on Thursday after having to cancel his tour to those countries to stay in the United States and closely monitor the evolution of Hurricane Milton.
During the call with Scholz, Biden emphasized "the enduring strength" of the relationship between the US and Germany and highlighted his intention to continue their "strong collaboration" on geopolitical priorities, including support for Ukraine in the war against Russia, the White House reported in a statement.
In another statement, the White House indicated that Biden expressed his appreciation to Lourenço for his "continued leadership" on both regional and global priorities and emphasized Washington's "commitment" to deepen its strategic partnership with the Government and people of Angola.
Disney World reopens its theme parks in Florida after Hurricane Milton
The popular Disney theme parks in Orlando, central Florida (USA), will reopen to the public this Friday after temporarily closing due to the arrival of Hurricane Milton, which made landfall on Wednesday night and crossed the state from west to east.
"We are grateful that Walt Disney World Resort has withstood the storm, and we are currently assessing the impacts on our property to prepare to reopen the theme parks, Disney Springs, and possibly other areas on Friday, October 11," Walt Disney World said on its website on Thursday.
The company expressed solidarity with Floridians affected by Milton, which has claimed at least a dozen lives and left a trail of destruction in its path, with deadly tornadoes, severe flooding, and power outages still affecting three million users.
The entertainment complex, located 20 miles (32 kilometers) southwest of Orlando, which experienced heavy rains and power outages, closed its theme parks on Wednesday afternoon, hours before the hurricane hit, entering through the central west coast of Florida.
Hurricane Milton winds topple a crane at the tallest residential tower in western Florida
Hurricane Milton winds toppled a crane at a construction site in St. Petersburg, Florida, causing damage but no injuries.
The crane collapsed at a construction site of a 46-story condominium and office building, which will be the tallest residential tower on the Gulf Coast of Florida. The apparatus crashed into a nearby building where the Tampa Bay Times newspaper is located.
However, the twisted metal created a hole where part of the crane stopped in the brick and concrete at a corner of the building. There were cables hanging and pieces of office items scattered everywhere. Another part of the crane blocked the street below. Nearby, Milton's winds tore off roof panels at Tropicana Field, where the Tampa Bay Rays Major League Baseball team plays.
At the time of the collapse, no one was working in the newspaper's newsroom. City authorities blocked several blocks until they can fully assess the damage and begin working to remove the collapsed and twisted crane.
Developer Red Apple Group told the newspaper that at least one crane cab at the top section of the mast fell, and they were working with the city government to assess the situation. The company did not respond to an email from The Associated Press on Thursday.
Hurricane Milton leaves a trail of death and destruction in its path through Florida
Hurricane Milton has claimed at least a dozen lives and left a trail of destruction in its path through Florida (USA), which saw deadly tornadoes, severe flooding, and where still more than 3 million users remain without power, in addition to causing damages estimated at up to 60 billion dollars (55 billion euros).
However, authorities and affected individuals breathe a sigh of relief because "it could have been worse," as Michael, a resident of Fort Myers who evacuated before the arrival of Hurricane Milton, told EFE. Milton, maintaining the threat of storm surge, hit central Florida with torrential rains and strong winds, after making landfall on Wednesday night on the west coast of the state as a major Category 3 hurricane, with winds of up to 205 kilometers per hour (120 miles).
Biden urges Trump to abandon lies about hurricanes: "Help the people"
The President of the United States, Joe Biden, urged his predecessor in office and current Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump, to abandon misinformation about the government's response to hurricanes Helene and Milton. "Get a life, man. Help these people," Biden said directly to Trump during a press conference at the White House.
"Let me say this: all those affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton, despite the lies and misinformation, the truth is that we are providing the necessary resources to rescue, recover, and rebuild," he stated.