Six die in Fla. nursing home after Irma; millions still without power

HOLLYWOOD, Fla./SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The death toll from Hurricane Irma climbed on Wednesday, with authorities reporting six patients at a Florida nursing home died after it had lost power, as millions struggled with no electricity and scarce essential services in the storm-hit state.

Irma, categorized as one of the most powerful Atlantic storms on record when it rampaged through the Caribbean, has killed at least 77 people, including 36 in the United States, officials said.

Some 4.3 million homes and businesses, or about 9 million people, were without power at midday Wednesday in Florida and nearby states.