The death toll from Hurricane Milton has climbed to 10, as Florida continues to assess the widespread damage caused by the powerful storm. Officials in St. Lucie County have confirmed that five people lost their lives due to tornadoes in the area, an increase from the four deaths reported earlier today. Rescue efforts are ongoing as teams continue to search through debris.

The storm’s impact has been severe and wide-ranging. In Orange City, just north of Orlando, the hurricane’s fury has caused significant infrastructure damage. The Orange City Fire Department reported that multiple roads and pavements have collapsed, with large sections of tarmac crumbling away. Local authorities are urging drivers to stay off the roads while crews assess and address the damage.

Rescue operations have been in full swing across affected areas. In Tampa, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister reported that boats and amphibious vehicles were deployed to rescue 135 elderly residents from an assisted living facility. Additional rescues were carried out at a Holiday Inn in nearby Plant City.

Pasco County, located on Florida’s west central coast, has seen 22 people rescued by emergency crews. In a separate operation, over 100 residents were evacuated from another assisted living facility in Tampa, with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office’s marine unit leading the efforts.

Meanwhile, emergency services in Charlotte County, southeast of Tampa, have resumed responding to calls after a temporary suspension due to dangerous conditions.

As the full extent of Hurricane Milton’s impact continues to unfold, local and state officials are coordinating efforts to provide aid and support to affected communities.