LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The death toll from Hurricane Michael rose to 11 on Friday as five people died as the storm hit the state of Virginia, US officials said.
"Storm updates in Virginia from 7 am have confirmed 11 Michael-related fatalities, 520,000 (people) without power, 1,200 closed roads, and 5 alleged tornadoes," said the Virginia Department of Emergency Management , on twitter.
Downgraded to tropical storm, Michael continues to generate strong winds and floods during his passage through the United States. Authorities said this was the most violent hurricane in 49 years.
In Florida, search and rescue teams roam through shattered communities searching for victims of the phenomenon, which left a trail of destruction in its wake with broken houses and fallen trees. At least 2,000 National Guard men collaborate with the rescue operations.
Photos and videos of Mexico Beach, of about 1,000 inhabitants, showed scenes of absolute devastation. Panama City looked like a war zone after being hit for more than three hours by winds of 250 km / h and heavy rain.
"It is an unthinkable devastation. My biggest concern is, of course, the loss of life. I know several people were injured, "said Rick Scott, governor of Florida, who asked the population not to leave the house:
