FLORIDA, USA: Hurricane Milton, now a Category 5 storm, is on a potentially catastrophic course towards Florida, marking the second major hurricane to hit the state in recent weeks.
With maximum winds reaching 165 mph, the storm is expected to cause significant damage, particularly along Florida’s west coast, prompting evacuation orders in heavily populated areas like Tampa. This follows the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene late last month, leaving communities scrambling to clear debris and prepare for further damage.
The National Hurricane Center has warned of dangerous storm surges, flash flooding, and rainfall as Milton approaches. Some areas, like Tampa, could face water levels 15 feet above ground, making this one of the worst storms to hit the region in over a century. Residents are preparing, with many securing their homes and others, like Tony Carlson from Orlando, considering evacuation.
The hurricanes have ignited political tensions. Vice President Kamala Harris criticized Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for “playing political games,” accusing him of ignoring her calls and spreading misinformation about the federal response to Helene. Former President Donald Trump has also been involved, falsely claiming that disaster funds were misallocated. Meanwhile, DeSantis spoke directly with President Biden about preparations for Milton, highlighting the ongoing challenges of managing the state’s response.
The hurricanes have intensified discussions around climate change, with experts suggesting that warmer oceans are likely contributing to the rapid intensification of these storms. As Florida braces for Milton’s impact, concerns grow over how prepared the state is to handle back-to-back disasters, especially with emergency workers already stretched thin after Helene.
