US battling on after Michael

Panama City Beach – A week after Hurricane Michael battered Florida’s Gulf Coast, the full extent of devastation and loss of life remained unclear as disruptions to phone, power and transportation systems hindered the disaster recovery.

At least 30 people were killed, according to local authorities, when Michael ploughed ashore as one of the fiercest hurricanes on record to strike the US mainland, pulverising a cluster of seaside towns in Florida.

Seven days later, search crews continued combing through the wreckage of demolished neighbourhoods looking for any sign of additional victims in Panama City Beach, Mexico Beach and Port St Joe, the communities closest to the storm’s landfall.

Distribution of food and water has been slowed by communication outages and storm-shattered roads blocked by trees.