Federal authorities in the United States have promised to provide a huge amount of aid to people affected by the passage of Hurricane Ian last week, AP reported.

It comes as the death toll continues to rise and rescue teams search for survivors.

According to the latest data, the death of 68 people has been confirmed - 61 in Florida, four in another southeastern American state - North Carolina, and three in Cuba.

Under 700,000 homes and businesses in Florida were still without power yesterday, for a total of 2.6 million at its worst.

Hurricane Ian has claimed 54 lives so far

Meanwhile, the weakened storm continues its northward path, bringing rain to states along the US Atlantic coast.