At least six people are reported to have been killed – with millions left without electricity – after Hurricane Jeanne made landfall in Florida.
Parts of the state’s central Atlantic coast are reported to have been devastated after the storm hit on Saturday night, especially Martin, Indian River and St Lucie counties.
This was the same area that was particularly badly affected by hurricane Frances, just a few weeks ago. The storm is presently weakening as it heads north towards the state of Georgia.
According to the BBC News website, insurance claims in Florida have already exceeded US$20 billion – before the effects of hurricane Jeanne have been included.
The website reports that this is the first time that a US state has been hit by four hurricanes in the same season since Texas endured a similar fate more than 100 years ago – and there is still more than a month left to go for this year’s hurricane “season”.
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd
