Hurricane Milton unleashed chaos in Florida, claiming at least 11 lives as it swept across the state. The storm, which made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane, left a trail of destruction in its wake. Tampa witnessed the tragic death of a woman trapped beneath a fallen tree branch, highlighting the perilous aftermath of natural disasters.
Milton's ferocity was evident as it tore through Florida, bringing down trees and causing widespread flooding. It weakened to a Category 1 hurricane but still packed winds up to 140 km/h before moving towards the Atlantic. The Tampa Bay Rays’ stadium roof suffered damage, and a crane collapse added to the chaos in St. Petersburg. In Clearwater, rescue teams employed boats to evacuate residents from flooded buildings.
Milton arrived just two weeks after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc in the southeastern US, resulting in at least 237 deaths. Helene was the most devastating storm in the region since Katrina in 2005, leaving communities reeling from its impact.
The storm also sparked tornadoes, adding to the destruction. Cocoa Beach saw windows blown out and roofs torn apart, while Sarasota experienced severe flooding. Residents faced the grim reality of extensive damage and power outages, with millions left in the dark.
Governor Ron DeSantis, addressing the crisis, noted the resilience of Floridians facing back-to-back hurricanes. Despite the significant damage, hopes for a swift recovery remain. Rescue operations are ongoing, with thousands of personnel deployed to aid those affected. As Florida emerges from the devastation, the focus shifts to rebuilding and preparing for potential future storms.
