Hurricane Milton devastates Florida, resulting in the loss of 14 lives and leaving over 3 million residents without electricity
Hurricane Milton struck the Florida Gulf Coast as a powerful Category 3 storm at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The storm then moved into the Atlantic, causing significant disruptions as it left roads obstructed by fallen trees and power lines.
The hurricane severely damaged the roof of a baseball stadium, leaving approximately three million homes and businesses without electricity.
In the wake of the recent storm, officials have confirmed that at least 14 fatalities have occurred, with six reported in St. Lucie County along Florida’s Atlantic coast. Additionally, approximately 11 million individuals remain at risk of experiencing flash and river flooding.
In Florida, authorities have successfully rescued over 340 individuals as floodwaters persist in certain regions. Meanwhile, power outages have left more than three million residents in the dark.
The Fitch credit rating agency has projected that Hurricane Milton could result in insured property losses ranging from $30 billion to $50 billion, marking the most significant financial impact from a storm in the last two years.
According to a report by Fitch Ratings, annual insured losses for insurers in the state are expected to surpass $100 billion for the fifth consecutive year.
In the wake of discussions with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Thursday, President Joe Biden has issued a call for residents to remain indoors following the storm, citing hazardous conditions stemming from downed power lines and scattered debris.
The President of the United States has issued a cautionary statement, emphasizing that safety concerns persist in Florida. Citizens are advised to exercise patience and await an official “all clear” notification from local authorities before venturing outdoors.
President Biden highlighted a concerning pattern observed in past hurricane events, noting that the aftermath often proves more deadly than the actual storm. “Experience has shown us that fatalities frequently increase in the days following a hurricane,” he stated.
The National Weather Service has announced 126 tornado warnings throughout Florida, as the state continues to grapple with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The devastating storm, which struck just two weeks prior, resulted in 237 fatalities in Florida and surrounding southeastern states.
The successive storms have become a focal point in the political arena, with former President Donald Trump alleging that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are neglecting the needs of the affected victims.
In a social media video, former President Donald Trump expressed that he and his wife, Melania, are offering their prayers for the residents of Florida impacted by the storm. He also took the opportunity to encourage Floridians to support his candidacy in the upcoming election.
The former president expressed optimism that the upcoming presidential inauguration on January 20th will usher in a leader poised to offer unprecedented support and assistance.
In response to the remarks made by Trump, President Biden issued a scathing critique, labeling Trump’s actions as “reckless and irresponsible.”
President Biden urged Congress to expedite the approval of additional disaster relief funding, while strongly criticizing a Republican candidate for disseminating false information regarding the storm.
Scientists have reported that extreme rainfall and increasingly destructive storms are becoming more severe and frequent as global temperatures climb, a consequence of climate change. The rise in ocean surface temperatures leads to a higher release of water vapor, fueling more powerful storms.
