In the wake of Hurricane Milton’s destructive passage, Florida is navigating a tough and rigorous recovery phase. Millions of Florida residents have experienced power outages due to the hurricane and some still suffer from outages. Hurricane Helene caused a ton of debris. Although many people volunteered to clean, it wasn’t enough time until Hurricane Milton made things worse. FEMA along with SBA is offering financial assistance and loans for victims.
Government and Organizational Support
The U.S. government is actively responding to Hurricane Milton, providing extensive resources for recovery. Significant assistance is available, such as financial aid from FEMA for those in declared disaster areas, accessible via online applications. The Small Business Administration is offering loans for homeowners, small businesses, and nonprofits.
Voluntary organizations are also contributing, providing free disaster cleanup services for affected areas. Meanwhile, the Department of Defense remains a pivotal force, working alongside FEMA to facilitate recovery operations.
Today, I joined Pres. Biden and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell along with @SenRickScott on the ground in St. Pete Beach, which was completely destroyed by Hurricane Milton. I spoke to @POTUS about increasing the NFIP coverage limits as well as thanked him for his immediate… pic.twitter.com/J6mx4UCALM
— Anna Paulina Luna (@realannapaulina) October 13, 2024
Humanitarian and Environmental Efforts
Within the recovery phase, aid organizations like the Red Cross are assisting in locating missing persons, and encouraging loved ones to report absences to 9-1-1. The Environmental Protection Agency guides addressing environmental hazards following the hurricane.
Hurricane 🌀 Helene and Milton already have a FEMA reserved cost of $11 billion. Where are the aids of the European, Central, and South American nations that we always served when they need it. Where is the compassion for the American people?.
Tents for Americans, 5 Star… pic.twitter.com/hRCCXbz4tX— Real Hamlet Garcia (@Hamletgarcia17) October 12, 2024
The VA and TRICARE have extended their support to military personnel and veterans, ensuring they receive necessary aid. Local and national volunteer efforts, especially in Hillsborough County, remain critical to strengthening community resilience.
Operational Challenges and Community Efforts
Despite substantial support, challenges persist, including power outages impacting whole neighborhoods and a critical shortage of fuel across the state. This situation complicates the already challenging recovery operations as travel restrictions persist.
Given these circumstances, community involvement is vital. Florida residents are encouraged to join volunteer efforts coordinated by organizations like Volunteer Florida, which play a crucial role in ongoing recovery operations.
