Hurricane Michael Death Toll Increases to 18

Last week, Hurricane Michael made landfall on the Florida Panhandle as the third-most intense Atlantic hurricane to touchdown in the United States. 

Over the weekend, the storm’s death toll reached 18, after officials found a victim in Virginia. However, according to CNN, the “number of those still unaccounted for remains unclear.”

Now, according to the Weather Channel, eight people have died in Florida, three in North Carolina, one in Georgia and six in Virginia in hurricane-related fatalities. 

“Unfortunately, we’re probably still going to find people in the coming weeks,” Panama City Fire Department Battalion Chief David Collier told CNN, adding that the number of fatalities could rise to double digits in Panama City  and its surrounding communities alone. 

“We’re not able to gain access to all areas at this point in time,” he continued. “The quick response teams…from around the state and nation have done a quick, rapid search of the area, have tried to clear homes as best as they can.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

But, as recovery continues, Donald Trump has also prepared to visit Florida and Georgia to access the damage.