Hurricane ‘Milton’ has hit the state of Florida in the United States and wreaked havoc since yesterday. It has caused widespread destruction and claimed lives of 14 people so far. CNN reported that the death toll due to hurricane Milton has risen to at least 14. The storm struck Florida on Wednesday night and led to formation of tornadoes accompanied with heavy rain and high-speed winds. The tornadoes caused severe damage to homes and infrastructure. It brought along the winds with speed of 205 kph.

According to the reports, at least 19 tornadoes were generated by the hurricane and affected various regions. It damaged a total of 125 homes. As per the Al Jazeera report, the storm made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane, down from the initial Category 5. National Weather Service had issued 126 tornado warnings in the state on Wednesday.

Several problems were reported from different areas of the state, which included suspended water services, power cut, sewer system failure etc. As per the reports, more than 2.9 million utility customers across Florida faced power outrage. St. Petersburg residents couldn’t get water inside their homes because a water main break led to disruption in services. The storm hit the Tampa airport causing minimal damage.

Milton started from Southeast Florida, where tornadoes left several people dead, then it moved over towards the Southwest Coast where it came ashore, finally up through the Tampa Bay area and back across to the Atlantic Coast.

Earlier, Reuters had reported that 10 people were killed after the storm toppled a retirement community home in St. Lucie.

Reportedly, 2,209 US flights were cancelled due to Hurricane Milton and the highest number of cancellations were reported from Orlando, Tampa and South-west Florida.

AP quoted FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell who said that Milton’s impact was not as destructive as feared, but she is heading out Friday to see damage from some of the tornadoes that touched down in the Florida.

Rescue operations were carried and more than 100 people were rescued.

US Government On Action

Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris pledged to help Florida affected by Milton hurricane. She said, “Hurricane Milton has cut a path of devastation across Florida. Our administration has mobilized thousands of federal personnel across the region to work with local and state officials to give folks the help they need. We will be with them every step of the way.”

She had earlier informed on X that briefing on the initial impacts of Hurricane Milton and ongoing federal response were held. She wrote, “We will support the people of Florida as they recover from this storm.”

Hurricane Milton has cut a path of devastation across Florida.

Our administration has mobilized thousands of federal personnel across the region to work with local and state officials to give folks the help they need. We will be with them every step of the way. pic.twitter.com/dqKRDSNDez

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) October 11, 2024

United States President, Joe Biden had also urged the citizens to safeguard themselves. He wrote on X, “To everyone impacted by Hurricane Milton: I urge you stay inside and off the roads. Downed power lines, debris, and road washouts are creating dangerous conditions. Help is on the way, but until it arrives, shelter in place until your local officials say it’s safe to go out.”

To everyone impacted by Hurricane Milton: I urge you stay inside and off the roads.

Downed power lines, debris, and road washouts are creating dangerous conditions.

Help is on the way, but until it arrives, shelter in place until your local officials say it’s safe to go out.

— President Biden (@POTUS) October 10, 2024

Vice President Harris and I have been in constant contact with state and local officials.

We are offering everything they need. pic.twitter.com/Uo4kb0cZ7F

— President Biden (@POTUS) October 10, 2024

What Is Hurricane?

Hurricane is a tropical cyclone with a rotating low-pressure center, a closed low-level atmospheric circulation, strong winds, and a spiral arrangement of thunderstorms that produce heavy rain and squalls. 

Also Read: Israeli Airstrike Targets Gaza School Sheltering Displaced People; 28 Dead, Dozens Injured