Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton have recently hit Florida, leading to significant damage and disruption. As the recovery efforts begin, communities are grappling with power outages, water shortages, and gasoline shortages, with the impact gradually coming to light.
In the Tampa Bay area, one of the hardest-hit regions by Milton, residents who had evacuated are now returning to assess the damage. Local media have reported a noticeable influx of construction vehicles and fuel trucks heading into the disaster zone.
Orlando International Airport, Florida’s largest airport, experienced relatively minor effects compared to other areas. However, it still had to close during Milton’s impact. Tampa International Airport, situated in the hardest-hit area, has been shut down for some time, and both airports didn’t officially resume operations until the morning of the 11th, during which over 300 flights were canceled.
Hurricane Helene has devastated six southeastern states, including Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, with over 60 reported fatalities and more than 2.5 million users losing power. The storm brought catastrophic rainfall, resulting in what many are calling a once-in-a-lifetime flood and widespread destruction, with at least 230 lives lost.
In Fairview, North Carolina, resident Jesse Craig shared a heartbreaking account: he lost 11 family members, including his parents, aunt, uncle, great-grandmother, and cousins, all due to Helene’s merciless impact. Craig’s family has lived in the area, located about 12 miles southeast of Asheville, for 80 years, and the community is known locally as “Craigtown.” The destruction has left them deeply scarred.
Craig and his wife told ABC affiliate WTVD that despite the overwhelming trauma, they are committed to raising awareness about the devastation caused by Helene and are dedicated to rebuilding Fairview, determined not to let the memory of this tragedy fade away in the coming months. Friends and community members have rallied together, launching online fundraising campaigns to support their efforts.
