FLORIDA: US President Joe Biden said Hurricane Milton caused an estimated $50 billion in damage as it slammed into Florida, triggering flooding and destruction, and killing at least 16 people.

“Experts estimate… that it caused damages of around $50 billion,” Biden told reporters after a hurricane response briefing at the White House.

In the meantime, Florida residents repaired damage from Hurricane Milton and cleaned up debris Friday after the storm smashed through coastal communities and tore homes to pieces, flooded streets and spawned a barrage of deadly tornadoes. At least 16 deaths are linked to the storm, officials told CBS News.

Gov. Ron DeSantis warned people to not let down their guard, however, citing ongoing threats to safety including downed power lines and flooded areas.

“We’re now in the period where you have fatalities that are preventable,” DeSantis said Friday. “You have to make the proper decisions and know that there are hazards out there.”

The White House said on Friday afternoon th
at 1,000 federal personnel remain on the ground. Search and rescue teams have conducted more than 4,200 rescues and assists and 1.2 million meals have been delivered to people in need, with another 1.6 million set to be delivered.

Source: Emirates News Agency