Hurricane Milton, which hit the land on Oct 9, 2024, as a Category 3, continues to bring destruction to Florida. As communities begin assessing damage, images and maps put a face to millions of residents displaced.
Casualties and displacement
At least 23 deaths, along with countless injuries, were reported following Hurricane Milton as of October 11. More than 3.5 million residents had been displaced by the storm, leaving them without electricity and other vital services. Emergency shelters have opened their doors at various places for people in need.
- Imaging the destruction: Pictures shared through different news outlets reveal homes that have been destroyed, and neighborhoods are flooding. Many of the images include residents wading through hip-deep water or recovering items from their damaged homes.
- Power outages: Furthermore, more than 3.3 million Floridians experienced a power outage due to downed power lines and damaged infrastructure. Maps of the areas affected by the outages indicate the most affected regions lie squarely on the Gulf Coast.
Visualizations of damage
Publicized are a series of infographics and charts displaying a visual representation of the effects of Hurricane Milton.
- Storm surge maps: The recorded storm surge was indeed not as serious as had been forecast; however, surges in some areas were from 8 to 10 feet. Maps showing storm surge heights give a rough idea of which coastal areas were flooded.
- Before-and-after comparisons: Satellite images taken before and after the storm reveal dramatic changes in landscape and infrastructure. Using these comparisons, neighbors who became swallowed by a flood and those suffering from wind damage may become evident.
- Rescue operations: Photography of rescue operations puts a face to the statistics related to the number displaced and what was destroyed to capture the work of first responders helping stranded people.
Government and response from NGO’s
Following the destruction brought about by Hurricane Milton, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has activated state resources in recovery efforts. Searches and rescues are underway, with damage assessments beginning across affected communities.
