Florida Reels from Devastation After Hurricane Milton
October 10, 2024
Florida is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, which wreaked havoc across the state after making landfall near Siesta Key as a powerful Category 3 hurricane. The storm subsequently downgraded to Category 1 as it barreled through Florida, leaving a trail of destruction that included damaged homes, uprooted trees, and shattered power lines.
Tragically, the storm has claimed at least 15 lives, with Governor Ron DeSantis warning that the death toll could rise as rescue efforts continue. The hurricane also brought torrential rain, characterized as a more than 1-in-1,000-year event in certain areas like St. Petersburg, where drone footage captured a construction crane crashing into a building—a sight residents described as chaotic and devastating.
Key Developments in Hurricane Milton's Aftermath
Rescue Operations: Rescue teams have successfully saved nearly 1,000 individuals, with thousands of personnel deployed across the affected regions. In one notable operation, a news crew rescued a single mother and her four children after they were trapped in floodwaters for seven hours.
Ports Reopening: The U.S. Coast Guard has reopened several ports, including Key West and Port Miami, although many remain closed, particularly in hard-hit areas like St. Petersburg and Fort Myers.
Power Outages: As of Thursday evening, over 2.6 million customers across Florida are still without power. This figure has decreased from a peak of 3.2 million, according to PowerOutage.us.
Boil Water Advisory in St. Petersburg: City crews are addressing around 30 water line breaks caused by fallen trees. While drinking water has been restored, residents are advised to boil water before consumption until Monday. The CDC recommends boiling for at least one minute, though it is safe for hand washing and showers.
Caution in Orange County: Authorities in Orange County are warning residents against swimming in lakes and rivers due to elevated water levels, potential contamination, and submerged hazards.
FEMA Relief Process: Residents affected by both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton must apply for separate disaster relief for each storm, according to FEMA's administrator.
As recovery efforts ramp up, Florida faces the daunting task of rebuilding and healing from the extensive damage inflicted by Hurricane Milton. For continuous updates on the situation, follow me on Twitter at @dark_web24.