The toll in ‘Milton’ rises, at least 11 dead. Millions without electricity

Hurricane Milton caused at least 11 deaths in Florida, with millions of homes without electricity despite a disaster that was ultimately less devastating than expected. “The storm was considerable, but fortunately the worst scenario did not occur,” admitted Ron De Santis, governor of the southeastern American state. According to local authorities, the victims are five in the county of Saint Lucie, three in the county of Volusia, two in the city of St. Petersburg and one (the latest) in Tampa. A previous toll spoke of 10 deaths, while CNN had counted 13.

There are 2.9 million users still without electricity while the damage estimate reaches 60 billion dollars (around 55 billion euros). However, the authorities and the affected populations themselves are breathing a sigh of relief because “it could have been worse”, admitted some residents of Fort Myers who were evacuated before the hurricane’s arrival.

Milton, which maintains the threat of storms, hit Central Florida with torrential rain and very strong winds, after making landfall on the state’s west coast Wednesday night as a major hurricane, Category 3, and winds of up to 205 kilometers per hour.