Florida is now grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, which inflicted widespread damage, leaving at least 16 people dead. While the state was spared from a catastrophic surge of seawater, the clean-up process could extend for weeks or even months.
The storm, one of the most intense in Atlantic history, is anticipated to cost insurers up to $100 billion. President Joe Biden has promised federal support while surveying the extent of the destruction. However, in the midst of recovery efforts, political tensions have arisen, with Republican Donald Trump criticizing his opponents for their response to the disaster.
Both parties are acutely aware of the impact natural disasters can have on approval ratings, referencing Hurricane Katrina’s effect on President George W. Bush. As Florida works to recover from the devastation, residents are facing challenges ranging from downed power lines to deadly tornadoes.
Despite the challenges, Floridians and authorities are united in their efforts to rebuild and overcome the double disaster of Hurricane Milton.