At least 17 deaths have been counted as Florida struggles to recover after category three Hurricane Milton landed in Siesta Key on Oct. 9. Power outages have affected the majority of the Florida Peninsula, further challenging rescue operations and leaving over two million people without power, as of Oct. 11.

Communities affected by both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton are struggling to recover, as flooding continues across the state. Tampa has received 12 inches of rain, making this the wettest year on record for the city of almost 400,000 people.

Aside from the widespread structural damage in urban areas, Florida’s barrier islands have also been hit hard by landslides and flooding. 

This is especially concerning to climate analysts because barrier islands are vital in protecting coastal environments from storm surges. Milton caused an unprecedented storm surge of 5-10 feet above ground level. The hurricane also caused a series of tornadoes to spin across the Sunshine State, furthering structural damage and killing at least one person.

Thanks to the hard work of first responders, over 4,200 rescues have been carried out. These include a man stranded 30 miles from shore, clinging to a cooler, and at least 135 individuals in assisted living facilities threatened by flooding.

Adding to the confusion, misinformation about both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton has created new difficulties for hurricane victims and aid centers. Former President Donald Trump suggested that FEMA’s disaster aid budget was being used for illegal migrants, a claim FEMA has denied, although the agency has expressed funding concerns during this ongoing storm season. 

The last time funds for disaster recovery were used for immigration was during the Trump Administration, when the Department of Homeland Security planned to use allocated disaster relief funds to expand migrant detention centers. Donations can be made to support Hurricane Milton victims through the American Red Cross and Salvation Army.