KQED's Forum
Second Deadly Hurricane in Two Weeks Devastates Florida
Oct 11, 2024
Gabriella Paul, a reporter for WUSF, provides on-the-ground insights into the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton on Florida, especially in Pasco County. Gerard Albert III shares how these storms have affected rural communities in North Carolina like Asheville. Author Porter Fox discusses the science behind 'supercharged hurricanes' and their link to climate change. Together, they explore the emotional toll on residents, ongoing recovery challenges, and the urgent need for effective climate action in a world facing more frequent storms.
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Quick takeaways
- The recent hurricanes have caused severe infrastructure damage and left many Florida residents grappling with power outages, flooding, and difficult recovery decisions.
- Experts warn that climate change is intensifying hurricane activity, making such devastating weather events more frequent and necessitating urgent reforms for preparedness.
Deep dives
Impact of Recent Hurricanes on Communities
The devastating effects of Hurricanes Milton and Helene have left significant destruction across communities in Florida and North Carolina. In Pasco County, residents faced flooding, road closures, and the destruction of infrastructure, with reports of considerable damage from storm surge and rainfall. Emergency responders have been tirelessly working to assist those affected, yet many individuals are still reeling from the trauma, lacking power, shelter, and essential services. In Asheville, North Carolina, similar infrastructure damage has resulted in widespread water shortages, with about 80% of the city left without running water, emphasizing the precarious situation faced by many residents.
