In the wake of devastating floods and power outages left by Hurricane Helene across the southeastern United States, a potentially more powerful storm, Hurricane Milton, hit central Florida just days later. The storm, which formed off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, most directly affected the greater Tampa Bay area. Although most of the people in the path of Hurricane Milton were not severely affected by Hurricane Helene, the storm has further strained the resources of both Florida and the federal government.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the federal government sent nearly $350 million and 7,000 personnel to assist with Helene's recovery efforts. Despite the massive effort, as of October 10th, several rural counties across North Carolina and Georgia persist with power outage rates around 50%. Videos on social media showed widespread destruction in cities such as Asheville, North Carolina, with huge landslides and extensive flooding occurring due to some areas receiving around two feet of rain. Over 200 people lost their lives, and hundreds of thousands suffered property damage.
Many of the places decimated by Helene have not been significantly affected by Milton, due to Milton’s landfall near Siesta Key, Florida. In preparation for the storm, Tampa International Airport officials ceased operations and has not announced a date for normal airport operations. Airport officials said in a statement on social media that it was closed due to, “the storm track, projected severity of [Milton’s] impacts, and input from the [National Weather Service] and [Federal Aviation Administration].” Pictures emerged of Tropicana Field, home of the professional baseball team the Tampa Bay Rays, showing the once-indoor venue almost completely lacking a roof. Pictures also emerged of a large construction crane that had fallen off of one building and onto another in downtown Tampa; the structure affected housed offices for the Tampa Bay Times among other companies. No injuries were reported in the potentially devastating event.
Coinciding with this widespread destruction are numerous conspiracy theories and disinformation campaigns that have negatively impacted recovery efforts. FEMA has compiled a list of these rumors and explains why each is false. For example, many social media users have made posts concerning an alleged plot by FEMA to seize privately owned land and property vacated by residents fleeing disasters. FEMA addresses this claim by stating that it “cannot seize property or land.” Similarly, a false claim that victims of Hurricane Helene were having their disaster relief compensation capped at a $750 loan was being shared widely. However, this $750 is a payment (not a loan) and is used for urgent matters such as food and medication, larger disaster relief payments can be obtained after a more formal application process.
From North Carolina to Florida, the effects of nature and an ever-changing climate are in full effect. These effects destroy lives and property and cost billions of dollars to recover from. Those affected by either storm should seek federal and state assistance, and learn more about relevant relief efforts from organizations such as the American Red Cross.
Amazing article, Zane.