The death toll from Hurricane Milton has tragically increased to at least 16, following the death of a man in his 60s in Orange County, Florida. According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the individual was found unresponsive on Thursday after apparently stepping on a downed power line while clearing debris from the storm.
Authorities responded to the incident just before 5 p.m. ET at a residence on Pine Island Place, north of downtown Orlando. The investigation into the man’s death is ongoing, and no further details have been released.
Also Read: Hurricane Milton’s Aftermath: Florida Faces Long Road to Recovery
County-Specific Death Toll:
- St. Lucie County: 6
- Pinellas County: 2
- Volusia County: 4
- Citrus County: 1
- Hillsborough County: 1
- Polk County: 1
- Orange County: 1
In the wake of Hurricane Milton, Florida is grappling with extensive destruction. The storm made landfall near Siesta Key as a Category 3 hurricane before weakening to a Category 1 as it traversed the state, causing widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and power lines. Governor Ron DeSantis has indicated that further casualties may be expected.
The storm has produced a rare rainfall event, with some areas experiencing over 18 inches of rain, and has been associated with deadly tornadoes that have exacerbated the devastation.
Key Developments Following Hurricane Milton:
- Rescue Operations: Nearly 1,000 individuals have been rescued across the state, with emergency personnel actively deployed. One notable rescue involved a news crew saving a single mother and her four children trapped in floodwaters for seven hours.
- Power Outages: As of Friday morning, over 2.5 million customers remain without power, down from 3.2 million the previous day.
- Transportation Impact: Sarasota Bradenton International Airport will remain closed, while Tampa International Airport is set to reopen after a three-day flight suspension.
- Water Supply Issues: St. Petersburg is under a boil water notice until Monday due to repairs on water line breaks caused by fallen trees, although drinking water has been restored.
- Swimming Advisory: Residents of Orange County are advised against swimming in lakes and rivers due to high water levels and potential contamination.
As recovery efforts continue, residents face the daunting challenge of rebuilding in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, which has followed closely on the heels of Hurricane Helene, further complicating recovery efforts in the region.
