As the US and especially Florida grapples with the aftermath of hurricanes Milton and Helene, residents are confronting significant challenges in recovery. The impact of Milton, which struck after Helene, has been particularly severe, causing widespread flooding, destructive tornadoes, and at least 16 fatalities. The storms have left millions without power and caused extensive property damage across the state. Last week we reported several US home and furniture companies were already impacted by hurricane Helene
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In the wake of the storms, Floridians are busy restoring power and clearing debris. The Florida Department of Transportation has removed over 40,000 cubic yards of debris from affected areas, and utility workers are diligently repairing downed power lines and cellphone towers. By Friday morning, the number of customers without electricity had decreased to approximately 2.27 million, down from a peak of 3.4 million.
Community members are hoping for stability to facilitate cleanup efforts. Local officials in Tampa are still assessing cleanup costs, which will be compounded by the debris left from both hurricanes. The city narrowly avoided catastrophic flooding, thanks to a last-minute shift in Milton's path, but many neighbourhoods are still dealing with substantial rubbish and furniture piles.
The United States Coast Guard has now announced the reopening of several ports in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina following Hurricane Milton. Operations have resumed at Florida's Key West, Port Everglades, Port Miami, and Miami River, as well as at Savannah and Brunswick in Georgia, and Charleston and Georgetown in South Carolina.
Source: www.reuters.com