Hurricane Charley leaves trail of destruction

Hurricane Charley left a trail of destruction in Florida, where officials today reported a “significant loss of life”, as the slightly weakened storm barrelled on toward the South Carolina coast.

The Category 4 storm was stronger than expected when it hit the western coast of Florida on Friday afternoon, pummelling the coast with wind reaching 233 kph (145 mph) and a surge of sea water of four to five meters (13-15 feet).