17/10 • FLORIDA

Hurricane Milton approached the southwest of Florida on October 10th. At its absolute peak, Milton intensified into a Category 5 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds reaching up to 280 km/h. The storm prompted significant weather warnings, with forecasts predicting heavy rains and damaging wind gusts. Milton made landfall near Siesta Key in Sarasota County as a lesser, but still incredible destructive Category 3.

The hurricane caused intense flooding, strong winds, and tornadoes, resulting in significant damage across several counties. The storm has left at least 24 dead and over a million residents without electricity as of writing. This triggered immediate relief efforts and emergency declarations throughout the region. The full extent of the impact is still being evaluated in these areas, and emergency responders are tirelessly working to restore power, provide shelter, and clear debris.

The storm follows closely on the heels of Hurricane Helene, straining federal disaster relief resources. While FEMA has been activated to assist affected areas, there are concerns about the agency’s funding, especially as Congress is currently on recess and not scheduled to reconvene until after the elections.

Lawmakers from affected states, including Florida and Texas, are urging Congress to return to address disaster aid, fearing that funding will run out. Without quick action, FEMA may have to prioritise immediate needs, potentially limiting support for long-term recovery efforts. The ongoing political climate and the urgency of the situation are creating tension over the availability of resources needed to help communities recover effectively.

Hurricane Milton also affected Mexico, particularly the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. Before reaching Florida, Milton passed by this region, bringing hurricane-force winds, heavy rain, and storm surges. Areas such as Progreso and Mérida were under hurricane watches, and Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena ordered the closure of schools and ports as a precaution. Fortunately, reports suggest that the Yucatán state emerged relatively unscathed from the storm's most severe impacts.

The aftermath of Hurricane Milton underscores the broader issue of climate change. Warmer ocean temperatures are intensifying storms like Milton, leading to more frequent and destructive hurricanes. The region’s infrastructure, already burdened by repeated natural disasters, struggles to manage these compounded effects. Rising sea levels also heighten the risk of severe flooding, complicating recovery efforts even further.

As Florida (and the rest of the world) continues to face these climate-driven disasters, long-term strategies for resilience and adaptation are becoming increasingly vital.