Milton hits Florida: there is destruction, millions are left without power

Hurricane Milton hit Florida on Wednesday, weakening to a Category 3 hurricane. reports Associated Press.

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The storm devastated the southern part of the state, especially in the Siesta Key area, located 70 miles south of Tampa, which was spared a direct hit. However, in the area of ​​St. Local stadium Tropicana Range he suffered greatly: his collection was torn.

Before the hurricane made landfall, tornadoes were raging across the state, destroying approximately 125 homes. The residential building was particularly damagedс Spanish Lakes Country Clubwhere houses were destroyed and deaths recorded. The exact number of victims has not yet been released.

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Florida authorities declared a state of emergency, leaving more than two million residents without electricity, mainly in Hardee, Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Florida Governor Ron Desantis said 9,000 National Guard members have been deployed and 50,000 power workers are working to restore power. Evacuation orders have also been issued for 15 counties, home to 7.2 million people, but many residents are trapped due to a lack of hotel rooms or safe exit routes.

Milton has now weakened to a category two hurricane with winds of up to 45 m/s, but the risk remains: flooding is expected in rivers and lakes in rural areas.

Some areas that were hit hard by Hurricane Helena two weeks ago are continuing to recover, making the situation worse. Local authorities are warning of extended power outages and disruptions to public services.