The death toll from Hurricane Milton has risen to at least 16 as Florida grapples with widespread damage, power outages, and ongoing rescue efforts. The powerful storm struck the Gulf Coast late Wednesday, leaving a trail of devastation from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. Communities across the Sunshine State are now facing the long road to recovery, with nearly 2.5 million homes and businesses still without power.
Tornadoes Add to the Destruction Caused by Hurricane Milton
Although Hurricane Milton produced strong winds and flooding, the state was largely devastated by the several tornadoes it unleashed. Numerous fatalities were caused by these tornadoes, four of which occurred in Fort Pierce, a city on Florida’s Atlantic coast.
Susan Stepp, a 70-year-old Fort Pierce resident, described the terrifying experience as a tornado ripped through her neighborhood.
“They found some people dead in a tree,”
Stepp told AFP.
“I wish they would have evacuated.”
Her husband, Bill, shared that their 22-ton motor home was lifted and thrown across their yard by the powerful winds.
Together with the Fort Pierce deaths, there were six fatalities in St. Lucie County and four in Volusia County. Pinellas, Hillsborough, Polk, Orange, and Citrus counties saw further fatalities.
Power Outages and Infrastructure Damage in the Wake of Hurricane Milton
There is still power outage in a large portion of Florida nearly two days following Hurricane Milton. Millions were left without power when the storm brought down power lines around the state. The storm tore off the roof of Tampa’s baseball stadium, causing severe damage, while the floodwaters swamped homes in other coastal communities.
Despite the damage, Governor Ron DeSantis offered some optimism, noting that the storm had not been as catastrophic as officials had feared.
“The storm was significant, but thankfully this was not the worst-case scenario,”
DeSantis said during a news conference.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with teams working to reach those stranded or displaced by the storm.
Coastal Communities Hit Hard by Hurricane Milton
Some of the worst-hit areas are still dealing with high floodwaters. Lidier Rodriguez, a resident near Tampa Bay, was forced to flee his flooded apartment.
“It is not easy to think you have everything and suddenly you have nothing,”
Rodriguez lamented, highlighting the emotional toll the storm has taken on residents.
The US Coast Guard performed a spectacular rescue when they pulled a boat captain out of the Gulf of Mexico. The man had survived what the Coast Guard described as a “nightmare scenario” by clinging to a cooler throughout the storm.
Political Responses to Hurricane Milton
The political effect from Hurricanes Milton and Helene, which killed 237 people last month, is already evident as Florida starts to rebuild. In a video that he posted, former president Donald Trump berated Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden for their handling of the hurricane while also expressing compassion for the victims.
Trump urged residents to vote for him in the upcoming election, saying,
“Hopefully, on January 20th you’re going to have somebody that’s really going to help you.”
Biden fired back, dismissing Trump’s claims and telling him to “get a life.”
Climate Change Fuels Stronger Storms Like Hurricane Milton
As with other recent storms, Hurricane Milton has reignited the debate around climate change. Scientists have warned that the warming planet is leading to more frequent and intense hurricanes, as warmer ocean temperatures fuel storms with increased energy.
“This should be a wake-up call,”
said Kristin Joyce, a 72-year-old interior designer in Sarasota Bay, as she assessed the damage.
“We’re seeing more destructive storms because of climate change.”
Meteorologist Michael Lowry added that the National Weather Service issued a record 126 tornado warnings during Hurricane Milton, the most ever for a single day in Florida’s history, highlighting the storm’s unpredictability.
Florida Begins the Long Road to Recovery After Hurricane Milton
While the damage is extensive, many Floridians are grateful that Hurricane Milton wasn’t even more devastating. As the cleanup begins, officials are urging residents to remain cautious, particularly in areas with downed power lines and debris.
President Biden called for continued vigilance, and rescue teams are working around the clock to assist those affected.
In the wake of back-to-back hurricanes, Floridians are bracing for what could be a long and difficult recovery process, even as the focus shifts to preparing for future storms. Hurricane Milton serves as a sobering reminder of the power of nature and the increasing threat posed by a changing climate.