Days after Hurricane Milton slammed into Florida’s west coast, communities are battling flooded streets, shattered homes, and heartbreak as the death toll climbs to 23. 💔 The storm’s financial toll now nears $100 billion, making it one of the costliest disasters in U.S. history.
Residents described scenes of chaos as winds tore through neighborhoods. \"It sounded like a freight train crashing through our lives,\" said Tampa local Maria Gonzalez, who lost her home. Emergency crews work nonstop to restore power and clear debris, but progress is slow. ⚡🚛
Amid the devastation, stories of resilience shine: Volunteers distribute meals, neighbors share generators, and social media buzzes with #FloridaStrong solidarity. 🌟 CGTN’s Nitza Soledad-Perez captured residents’ determination: \"We’ve survived hurricanes before, but rebuilding after Milton? That’s our next marathon.\"
As climate scientists warn of increasingly intense storms, Florida’s struggle highlights urgent questions about preparedness in the climate crisis era. 🌍🔍
