16 dead in Hurricane Milton in Florida, losses estimated at $50 billion

2024-10-12 2024-10-12T08:25:23Z

Arab Weather - The death toll from Hurricane "Milton" rose to at least 16 in Florida today, Friday, as residents began to return to their homes, while power outages continued to affect millions of homes.

Hurricane Milton damage estimates: $50 billion

US President Joe Biden estimated the damage caused by the hurricane at $50 billion, explaining that violent tornadoes, not floodwaters, were responsible for many of the deaths. He noted that search and rescue operations are still ongoing, as teams try to remove debris and secure the affected areas.

Millions of homes still without power

About 2.5 million homes and businesses remain without power, while some areas along the storm's path from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic remain flooded and Biden urged residents not to leave their homes until damaged power lines and scattered debris are cleared.

Hurricane Milton hits Florida after Hurricane Helen

Hurricane Milton hit the Florida coast Wednesday night as a Category 3 storm, devastating areas still reeling from Hurricane Helene just two weeks earlier, which killed 237 people in the southeastern United States. The National Weather Service has issued 126 tornado warnings across the state, a record number according to hurricane expert Michael Lowry.

Hurricane Milton Costs and Impact

Although Hurricane Milton did not cause a catastrophic surge of seawater in Florida, cleanup could take months and analysts estimate the damage costs to insurance companies could be between $30 billion and $60 billion. The White House has pledged full government support, but the total damage assessment is still under review.