What's happened
Hurricane Milton struck Florida on October 9, 2024, causing significant destruction and fatalities. As recovery efforts begin, over 1.5 million residents remain without power, and fuel shortages complicate return efforts. Political ramifications are emerging as candidates address disaster response ahead of the upcoming election.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Oliver Milman in The Guardian, Hurricane Milton caused at least 16 fatalities and left millions without power, with recovery efforts ongoing. He notes that the storm's impact was less severe than initially feared due to effective evacuations. Edward Helmore, also from The Guardian, highlights the political fallout, with candidates like Kamala Harris and Donald Trump using the storms to critique each other's disaster response. The Independent reports that the hurricanes have reshaped the 2024 campaign, forcing candidates to confront their disaster response strategies. These contrasting perspectives illustrate the multifaceted impact of Hurricane Milton on both communities and the political landscape.
How we got here
Hurricane Milton made landfall as a category 3 storm, following Hurricane Helene's recent impact on Florida. The storms have raised concerns about climate change's role in intensifying hurricanes and their effects on local communities.
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