Hurricane Milton

Hurricane Milton swept across Florida's west-central coast on October 9th 2024, hitting Tampa with a category 3 storm (Hansen). Heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and life threatening storm surges were all symptoms of Hurricane Milton, according to NASA Earth Observatory. The United States government and citizens had to respond quickly to this devastating storm, so what has been done so far?

Financial assistance is a big way to help those most impacted by Milton. The USA's government has put in place a program called Fema, in which American citizens living in disaster areas are eligible to apply for. Fema is a program that assists survivors of natural disasters by providing funding, emergency shelters, and more (“Hurricane Milton”). Providing survivors with financial aid during and after the storm is essential. Businesses go bankrupt, homes are destroyed, jobs are lost, and Milton survivors have to completely uproot their lives to survive.

The government is also providing veterans with benefits, following hurricane Milton. According to USA.Gov, military hospitals will try to remain open for prescription refills and emergency care. 6 different clinics in Florida will also try to remain in operation.

Food and agriculture is another issue that the US government is responding to. Food insecurity during natural disasters is a major issue that millions of people are currently struggling with due to hurricane milton. The USDA, and other food and nutrition services, are temporarily changing their programs. There are flexible child nutrition programs, and changes being made in how meals are served to help the influx of people in need of receiving food (“Hurricane Milton”). Farms in the area have a high likelihood of being devastated, consequently, grants are available for farmers in disaster areas.

Hurricane Milton has displaced over 87% of the Tampa population (Meyers). Thus far, 14 people have been found dead due to the severity of this hurricane. Hotels and inns are overflowing with people. Folks who are evacuating are living in their cars while seeking safety. Although most want to stay home for as long as possible before the hurricane hits, evacuating preemptively greatly reduces risk of death or injury.

Overall hurricane Milton continues to have a large effect on the United states. Government responses have been put in place to help those living in areas devastated by the hurricane.