10 fatalities confirmed
At least 10 fatalities have been confirmed from Hurricane Milton, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said.
"Right now, search and rescue is our highest priority, and we are also praying for those who are unaccounted for and for their safe return," he said.
Mayorkas stressed that, while Milton has gone out to see, the danger is ongoing.
"Downed power lines, floodwaters, non-potable drinking water and debris are creating deadly conditions. Keep listening to local officials and shelter in place until it is safe," he said.
Mayorkas also highlighted the "very significant" number of people who followed guidance to evacuate ahead of landfall, saying the impact of that decision cannot be minimized.
Despite the devastating damage caused by Helene and Milton, Mayorkas said, "We have the capability and the capacity to respond to and recover from multiple simultaneous disasters."
Over 15 million meals and 13 million liters of water have been delivered to the region and another 20 million meals and 40 million liters of water are ready to be deployed, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.
"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has two temporary power teams and a roofing team to diagnose the need for short term repairs to homes and structures," she said. "The Department of Defense has also provided 60 high water vehicles and personnel who can further aid in search and rescue efforts. To the people of Florida, this is still a very serious situation. Please remain vigilant."
-ABC News’ Justin Ryan Gomez
