Hurricanes Milton and Helene leave the East in Shambles| Sadie Robinson
For roughly three weeks, the eastern regions of the United States, including Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Virginia, and Tennessee have been drastically affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Helene made landfall on Thursday, Sept. 26, hitting land as a category four storm with 140-mile winds.
As of Oct. 6, 230 have been confirmed, with first responders continuing to search for any survivors.
Just after Helene passed, another storm, hurricane Milton, formed. Milton hit land on Oct. 9, targeting Florida and areas such as Tampa Bay and Siesta Key.
The governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, recommended for over five million people to evacuate. Most were able to find shelter elsewhere; however, a significant number of families had to brave the storm head first due to financial difficulties.
To be able to book a flight out of Florida would be around $1000, which is not realistic for low income families.
The destruction from the hurricanes have affected many citizens in areas where the storms hit. More than two million homes have been destroyed by the winds and flooding due to the hurricanes, causing families to be stranded.
A resident of Florida, Charlene Huggins, had her home destroyed. Huggins had a strong connection to this house, making it more than just 4 walls and a roof.
"Five generations lived in this house, from my grandmother, my father, myself, my daughter, son, and my granddaughter. So there's a lot of memories here. It just breaks your heart," Florida resident, Charlene Huggins said.
In addition, 16 people have been found dead as of Oct. 11. Emergency workers are still unsure whether there are more injured.
Fortunately, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), an American government agency that is equipped with supplies to assist areas that were damaged in a natural disaster, has brought relief to many residents affected by the tropical storms. For those affected by the hurricanes, FEMA is giving $750 to victims and their families to support them while recovering.
Photo Courtesy of AccuWeather
Due to the lack of financial aid and efficiency, politician Donald J. Trump claimed that FEMA and Kamala Harris, his political opponent, were giving money to immigrants coming to America rather than to victims of the hurricanes.
“Kamala spent all her FEMA money – billions of dollars – on housing for illegal migrants, many of whom should not be in our country,” said Trump.
FEMA quickly addressed the allegations and counteracted Trump's accusations.
According to FEMA, their Disaster Relief Funds are going to only communities who need support and migrants are being funded by Congress.
As FEMA face criticism more on their slow relief, they continue to provide financial assistance to those affected.
Hurricanes Helene and Milton have caused mass destruction and devastation to countless families and victims.
As the storms pass, Floridians and residents in other states are trying to recover. While these events have been extremely devastating, residents are keeping high hopes.
Christal Shola, a resident in Fort Myer, had her home destroyed from the winds and rain from the hurricanes.
“It’s heart-wrenching to have to keep going through this. We have terrific neighbors, we all help each other, and the fact that we all love it here so much - we just keep doing it,” Shola said.
As recovering spreads, US officials continue to provide assistance and empathy to all citizens whose lives have been altered from these tropical storms.
