At Least 16 Dead in Florida After Hurricane Milton as Trump, Harris Clash Over Response
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Florida residents are grappling with widespread destruction following Hurricane Milton, which claimed at least 16 lives.
As recovery efforts continue, political tensions rise between Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris regarding the government’s response ahead of the upcoming election.
On Friday, Florida residents began assessing the damage from Hurricane Milton, which devastated several areas, causing at least 16 deaths, according to state law enforcement. The storm followed Hurricane Helene, which hit just weeks earlier, leaving much of the state still in recovery mode.
Efforts to clear downed trees, restore power, and drain flooded neighborhoods were underway as the full scope of Milton’s destruction became apparent. The storm caused severe flooding and power outages across the state, though it did not generate the catastrophic storm surge initially feared.
Residents shared their stories of the devastation. Chase Pierce, a 25-year-old from St. Petersburg, described witnessing transformers exploding and power lines falling as the storm raged. "It opens your eyes to what Mother Nature can do," he said.
Analysts estimate that Hurricane Milton could cost insurers up to $100 billion. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden’s administration pledged federal support as damage assessments continue.
However, political divisions emerged in the aftermath. Former President Donald Trump criticized the government’s storm recovery efforts, particularly in North Carolina, which was also affected by Hurricane Helene. "The federal government has not done what you are supposed to be doing," Trump said. He faces a close race with Vice President Kamala Harris, who responded by accusing him of politicizing the disaster.
"People are playing political games," Harris said during a Univision town hall, highlighting the need for unity in the face of disaster. Both politicians are mindful of how past administrations, including President George W. Bush’s handling of Hurricane Katrina, were judged by their disaster responses.
The Biden administration has called for additional funding from Congress for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as both parties in the House and Senate weigh in on the issue.
In addition to hurricane-related fatalities, tornadoes spawned by Milton added to the destruction. In St. Lucie County, tornadoes killed multiple people, including residents of a senior community. Thousands of homes and businesses remain without power, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis warned of a long recovery ahead.
The storm also displaced thousands of animals, and rescue efforts are ongoing to relocate pets to shelters in other states. Sharon Hawa, an emergency services manager with Best Friends, highlighted the urgent need for animal adoptions as shelters struggle to manage the influx of displaced pets.
Rescue operations continue in affected areas. Florida authorities reported saving over 300 residents, while a US Coast Guard team rescued a man stranded at sea after his boat broke down before the storm made landfall.
As Florida begins the long road to recovery, the political and social impacts of these back-to-back hurricanes are likely to play a significant role in the national conversation ahead of the November elections.