Meteorologists are expecting heavy rains and dangerous storm surges. Millions of people were asked to flee their homes and seek safety.
Fears and predictions have come true: Hurricane “Milton” has reached Florida’s west coast. According to the US Hurricane Center, the storm made landfall on Thursday night with sustained winds of 193 kilometers per hour. Shortly before “Milton” hit the coast, it was downgraded from the highest Category 5 to Level 4 and finally to Level 3. However, given the size of the storm, the warnings were urgent. Areas around Tampa were particularly affected.
“Milton” is now expected to move across the state from Florida’s Gulf Coast toward the Atlantic. Heavy destruction is also expected offshore. Parts of Florida were hit by hurricanes before they hit. Strong winds drove the seawater inland causing the water level to rise rapidly. Meteorologists predict it will be one of the deadliest storms in the state’s history. In addition to extreme wind speeds, heavy rains and dangerous storm surges are expected, which could cause widespread flooding.
Evacuation of several coastal areas
Officials ordered the evacuation of several coastal areas. Millions of people were asked to flee their homes and seek safety. Many answered the call – there were reports of traffic jams and fuel shortages and emergency shelter. Finally, since safe evacuation was no longer possible, authorities asked people to barricade themselves in the area (“shelter in place”).
Preparations were going on in full swing till the last minute. The US government launched extensive relief operations to support the affected areas. The Pentagon mobilized thousands of National Guard troops to help with rescue operations and aid distribution. Emergency centers were also set up to ensure quick assistance during and after the storm.
A week and a half ago, Hurricane Helen caused severe damage in Florida and several other states. More than 200 people died. As for “Milton’s” arrival, many victims in Florida had no time to recover from the destruction.
Biden: “Looks like the storm of the century”
Considering the impending disaster, US President Joe Biden postponed his planned trip to Germany and Angola at short notice. Just before the hurricane hit, he again warned of the extreme strength of the storm. “It looks like the storm of the century,” he told a meeting with key company officials. Vice President Kamala Harris also attended the live televised meeting. Biden later addressed the crowd again to warn of the dangers ahead.
The US President also addressed the spread of misinformation. In recent weeks, “irresponsible, irresponsible and ruthless” lies have been spread and have unsettled people. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is leading this false campaign, Biden said.
During his campaign, Trump spread a conspiracy theory that funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency FEMA would flow to undocumented immigrants to persuade them to vote illegally for Democratic presidential nominee Harris. Biden vehemently denied this. US President, Republican MP Marjorie Taylor called Greene’s false claims that the federal government controls the weather “beyond the absurd.”
It’s not often that Biden mentions Trump or other politicians by name in his speeches — underscoring that the hurricane has become a political issue and is playing a role in the campaign. With less than a month to go before the Nov. 5 presidential election, polls show a very close race between Harris and Trump. (APA/dpa/Red.)