RESCUE MISSION

Stranded are saved after hurricane hits home

- CHRISTOPHER BUCKTIN

HUNDREDS of residents had to be plucked from their storm-ravaged homes as Florida battled to cope with the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.

Emergency crews rescued more than 500 people from a block of flats in Clearwater alone, with countless such missions taking place across the state.

Residents slogged through flooded streets, gathered up scattered debris and evaluated damage to their homes.

At least 16 people are dead but many expressed a sense of relief that Milton had not been even more fierce.

The hurricane spared densely populated Tampa a direct hit and the lethal storm surge scientists feared never materialised.