On October 9, 2024, Hurricane Milton struck Florida’s Gulf Coast as a Category 3 storm, causing widespread destruction. With winds over 120 mph and a storm surge of up to 15 feet, the hurricane brought catastrophic flooding to coastal cities like Sarasota, Clearwater, and Naples, where thousands of residents had to evacuate. The devastating storm resulted in at least 16 fatalities and left entire communities underwater.
The storm triggered 126 tornado warnings across the state, one of the highest ever issued during a single event in Florida, with many typhoons touching down and adding to the widespread damage. Milton also caused major power outages, affecting over 800,000 residents’ daily lives. The downed trees blocked roads, and rubble was scattered all over the ground.
Because of the huge devastation, nonprofits and community groups are stepping in to support recovery efforts, providing food, household items, and shelters to accommodate residents. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has set up centers where residents can get individual assistance and access to recovery resources. Local organizations like the Red Cross also aid families.
The storm’s economic loss is expected to reach billions, as a large number of homes, businesses, and infrastructures will need significant repair and recovery.
Natural disasters remind humans of life’s vulnerability. Disasters call for us to take responsibility for reducing damage to the natural environment and the ocean and increase the public’s awareness of human impact on the environment. In realizing the urgent need to preserve our environment and take action, we can maintain a more sustainable future, thus bringing common welfare to communities.
Sources:
Helmore, Edward. “Hurricane Milton to Double in Size as “Storm of the Century” Threatens Florida.” The Guardian, The Guardian, 9 Oct. 2024, www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/09/hurricane-milton-florida-landfall-storm-surge
CBS News. “Hurricane Milton Leaves Path of Destruction across Florida, at Least 24 Dead.” CBS News, CBS Interactive, 10 Oct. 2024, www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/hurricane-milton-2024/.
