Hurricane Milton wreaks havoc in Florida: over 5.9 million evacuated and casualties.

The hurricane Milton has left a trail of destruction in its wake across Florida, making landfall on Wednesday afternoon and causing chaos in various localities. Although it was initially estimated that the storm could have catastrophic consequences, it managed to weaken to a category 1 before hitting the coast; nonetheless, this has not prevented it from causing significant havoc. With over 5.9 million people evacuated and a growing number of casualties, the situation in the state has become critical.

From the start of its advance, Milton fed off the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, reaching category 5 peaks on two occasions. The magnitude of the storm was evident when the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory reported waves of up to 8 meters high and wind gusts exceeding 120 kilometers per hour. Such extreme weather conditions have had a devastating effect on local infrastructure and have complicated evacuation efforts.

The city of Fort Myers has been one of the most affected, with images showing the downtown area flooded and buildings severely damaged. Streets were submerged, and a construction crane collapsed amid the chaos, crushing vehicles and impacting nearby structures. Meanwhile, the iconic Tropicana Field, home to the Tampa Bay Rays, suffered significant damage when its roof was torn off by hurricane-force winds.

Authorities have reported that more than 3 million residents are without electricity, with Hardee County reporting outage levels nearing 100%. The devastation has been such that St. Lucie County has confirmed at least four deaths attributed to tornadoes associated with the hurricane. Testimonies from residents on social media reflect fear and desperation as lightning illuminated the sky before everything went dark.

As images of the destruction go viral, tornadoes have also been reported touching down in several areas, confirming the severity of the situation. With over 50 tornado warnings issued by the National Weather Service, the community is on high alert. Initial assessments indicate that around 125 homes have been completely destroyed, raising the urgency of rescue and recovery operations.

Amid the crisis, the political climate in the country has begun to heat up, especially with President Joe Biden's criticisms of former President Donald Trump. During a meeting at the White House, Biden accused Trump of spreading misinformation about the government's response to the crisis. "There have been claims that properties are being confiscated. That is simply not true," the president emphasized, seeking to dispel rumors that have fueled confusion in times of crisis.

The impact of Milton is not only measured in material damage and human loss but also in the emotional stress it has caused to thousands of families who have had to leave their homes. The magnitude of the storm has led emergency teams to mobilize quickly to provide assistance to those affected. Recovery will be a long and difficult process, but it is crucial to maintain calm and solidarity during this time of tragedy.

The situation in Florida continues to evolve, and although the hurricane has weakened, the effects of its winds and rains will continue to be felt in the coming hours. Residents are urging others to stay informed and follow the recommendations of authorities, while images of the destruction continue to capture media and social media attention.

As the days go by, more detailed damage assessments are expected, along with a coordinated response to help those in greatest need. The resilience of Floridians will be put to the test, but their community spirit is undoubtedly a light amid the darkness brought by hurricane Milton. As recovery begins, the focus will be on rebuilding not only the damaged structures but also the lives that have been profoundly altered by this devastating event.