Devastating Hurricane Milton Leaves 8 Dead, Millions Without Power in Florida’s Wake
Hurricane Milton has carved a destructive path across Florida, leaving at least eight people dead and plunging more than three million residents into darkness. The Category 3 storm made landfall on Wednesday, battering coastal communities from Tampa to Fort Myers with fierce winds, torrential rain, and a series of deadly tornadoes. Entire neighborhoods are in ruins, power lines are down, and water shortages are expected as residents begin grappling with the widespread devastation.
Emergency rescue teams have been working around the clock. In Hillsborough County, a 14-year-old boy was miraculously rescued after being found floating on a piece of fence. Meanwhile, the U.S. Coast Guard saved a man who clung to an ice chest in the Gulf of Mexico for hours after his boat was capsized by the storm. These rescues are a testament to the intense conditions caused by Milton, which also toppled a construction crane and tore the roof off Tropicana Field, home to the Tampa Bay Rays.
Despite the catastrophic damage, some relief came as Florida’s Gulf Coast was spared the full brunt of the storm’s fury. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis acknowledged the storm’s impact but noted that the worst-case scenario was avoided. However, the cleanup and recovery process will take time, with water levels expected to rise further in the coming days.
As the state begins to pick up the pieces, officials are urging residents to remain cautious, avoid flooded areas, and stay indoors until power is restored. More than 340 people and 49 pets have already been rescued, with efforts continuing across affected areas. Florida’s resilience will be tested in the weeks ahead as recovery efforts intensify.
Source: Swifteradio.com
