Florida is bracing for the impact of Hurricane Milton, which has intensified into a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 130 km/h. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts that Milton could make landfall on Wednesday in the Tampa Bay area, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene just weeks prior.
Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized the need for residents to have a hurricane preparedness plan in place, acknowledging the uncertainty of Milton's exact path but warning that Florida will face significant challenges.
In a public briefing, DeSantis prioritized the provision of temporary housing for those displaced by Hurricane Helene, stating that the state is mobilizing resources for debris removal in affected areas. President Joe Biden has also urged Floridians to heed local officials' advice and prepare accordingly.
Kevin Guthrie, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, indicated that this could be the largest evacuation since Hurricane Irma in 2017. The FEMA is poised to assist in response efforts as the state confronts the dual challenges posed by both hurricanes.
Selwin Hart, a senior advisor for climate change at the UN, noted the alarming increase in climate-related disasters, which have surged sixfold over the past five decades across the USA, the Caribbean, and Central America.