Biden Estimates $50 Billion in Damage Caused by Hurricane Milton Amid Political Storm
Biden to Visit Florida Following Destructive Hurricane
On Friday, President Joe Biden revealed that experts estimate Hurricane Milton caused a staggering $50 billion in damage across Florida. Biden is scheduled to visit the hardest-hit areas on Sunday to assess the devastation after the massive storm made landfall late Wednesday.
Devastation Across Florida
Hurricane Milton, a deadly and destructive storm, spawned tornadoes before tearing through central Florida, covering roughly 175 miles (280km) across the state. The storm’s path from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean left widespread destruction, including downed power lines, debris-filled streets, and devastated homes.
Tragically, at least 16 people have been reported dead, with numbers expected to rise as recovery efforts continue. Authorities are still assessing the storm’s aftermath, which knocked out power to millions of residents, with more than 2 million still in the dark as of Friday afternoon.
Impact on Florida’s Infrastructure
Milton brought severe damage, including dozens of tornadoes, a 6ft storm surge over barrier islands, and widespread power outages affecting over 3.3 million customers. The storm caused structural destruction, ripping the roof off a baseball stadium and toppling a 500ft construction crane. Despite the devastation, Milton did not cause the catastrophic damage initially feared, thanks to mass evacuations and a shift in the storm’s path, which spared Tampa from a direct hit.
Fuel Shortages and Recovery Challenges
Statewide, fuel shortages have been reported as evacuees struggle to return home. Approximately 29% of gas stations across Florida are without fuel, with that percentage rising to 73% in the Tampa-St. Petersburg region. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis acknowledged that, while the damage was severe, it was “not the worst-case scenario,” expressing confidence in the region’s recovery.
Political Fallout and Misinformation
Beyond the physical damage, Hurricane Milton has sparked political controversy. Vice President Kamala Harris criticized Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump for using the storms to advance political rhetoric, accusing him of turning the disaster into a partisan issue. Trump had earlier criticized the federal response, alleging that Republican voters were left to “drown” after Hurricane Helene, a claim that received bipartisan condemnation.
Meanwhile, conspiracy theories about meteorologists controlling the storm and spreading misinformation about the hurricane response have led to threats against meteorologists tracking Milton. CBS meteorologist Katie Nickolaou remarked on the overwhelming amount of misinformation, urging people to focus on the facts.
Federal Response and Future Preparedness
Biden emphasized that his administration is mobilizing all available resources to help Florida recover. However, he warned that federal disaster relief funds may run out before the hurricane season ends in November. The president is expected to request additional funding from Congress to address the growing needs caused by hurricanes Milton and Helene.
As recovery efforts continue, Florida residents, united in their determination, brace for what could be a long road to rebuilding homes, businesses, and communities devastated by one of the most destructive storms in recent history.