In a devastating sequence of events, Hurricane Milton has wreaked havoc across Florida, claiming at least 17 lives and causing widespread destruction. The storm, which made landfall on October 10, 2024, near Siesta Key as a Category 3 hurricane, brought with it a lethal storm surge, torrential rains, and numerous tornadoes.
Residents in areas like Lakeland faced harrowing situations as floodwaters surged into homes, with some families forced to seek refuge on higher ground. Amber Henry, a single mother, described the panic as her children clung to her during the storm, fearing for their lives.
Milton's impact follows closely on the heels of another catastrophic storm, Hurricane Helene, which struck less than two weeks earlier, resulting in 20 fatalities. The back-to-back disasters have left many Floridians grappling with anxiety and trauma, leading mental health experts to warn of potential long-term psychological effects.
As of the weekend, over a million utility customers remained without power, and emergency responders have rescued more than 700 individuals from floodwaters. In Hillsborough County, floodwaters reached six feet deep in some neighborhoods, exacerbating the crisis for vulnerable populations.
Experts predict that climate change may lead to an increase in the frequency and intensity of hurricanes, making the prospect of consecutive storms a new reality for coastal communities. The emotional toll of these disasters will likely unfold over time, as residents begin to process their losses and seek recovery.