The devastating impact of Hurricane Milton has led to a rising death toll of at least 16 in Florida as residents begin to assess the damage. President Joe Biden has estimated the total losses from the hurricane to be around $50 billion, with millions still without power and areas submerged under water. Tornadoes, rather than floodwaters, have been responsible for many fatalities, highlighting the storm's severity as it struck the state as a Category 3 hurricane. The National Weather Service reported a record 126 tornado warnings during the storm, indicating the unprecedented nature of this weather event. The cleanup from Hurricane Milton, which follows closely on the heels of Hurricane Helene, is expected to take months, with insurance claims projected to range between $30 billion and $60 billion. Amidst the recovery efforts, political tensions have escalated, with Donald Trump criticizing the Biden administration's response to the disaster, while Biden urged residents to focus on safety rather than political distractions.
- Hurricane Milton made landfall late Wednesday, exacerbating the already challenging situation in Florida, which was still recovering from Hurricane Helene that occurred just two weeks prior. The combination of two major hurricanes in such a short time frame has raised concerns about the state's infrastructure and emergency response capabilities. Many residents are urged to remain indoors until power lines are secured and debris is cleared, as ongoing search and rescue operations continue. The federal government has pledged support to assist with recovery efforts, but the full extent of the damage is still being evaluated. The political ramifications of the hurricanes are also significant, as they come at a critical time in the lead-up to the presidential election, with candidates using the situation to highlight their positions on disaster response.
