Rebuilding after Milton: Floridians face the aftermath

The so-called "hurricane of the century" has passed, leaving Floridians to face the daunting task of rebuilding.

Pictured here, a warning "You loot, we shoot" is seen painted on a home damaged by a tornado associated with Hurricane Milton on October 12, 2024 in the Lakewood Park community of Fort Pierce, Florida.

A man raises a flag atop the rubble that was left of the home where he lived with his wife before it was destroyed by a tornado at Spanish Lakes Country Club Village as the outer bands of Hurricane Milton approached Lakewood Park, Florida on October 11, 2024.

A drone image shows a flooded street due to Hurricane Milton in Siesta Key, Florida, on October 10, 2024.

The crumbled wreckage of a downtown high-rise smashed by a fallen crane from hurricane Milton at The Tampa Bay Times Building 490 1st Avenue South on October 11, 2024, in St. Petersburg.

Contractors work to remove garbage and debris from Clearwater Bay in Clearwater Beach, Florida, following the passage of Hurricane Milton on October 11, 2024.

A man and baby walk past a Wells Fargo bank branch that was destroyed by the intense tornado that hit Cocoa Beach, Florida, on October 10, 2024.

A child stands in front of the facade of a beauty salon that was destroyed by the intense tornado that hit Cocoa Beach, Florida, on October 10, 2024.

A major consequence of Milton's passage through Florida was the interruption of the electricity supply. According to USA Today, as of October 14, nearly half a million people were still without power.

According to NBC News, authorities have warned Floridians to be careful about walking through flood waters as creatures such as snakes and alligators have been found in cities, suburbs and even homes.

Testimonies from those who experienced Hurricane Milton in Florida speak of sheer terror as the winds and rain lashed inhabited areas with extreme force.

American media, as well as the country's authorities (starting with President Joe Biden), warned that Hurricane Milton had acquired "historic" dimensions due to its extraordinary power.

Images like this are repeated throughout Florida: a gas station destroyed by the fury of the hurricane in Lakewood Park.

The strong winds blew over numerous trees, which in turn hit homes and cars, causing significant damage.

This is the MidFlorida Amphitheater in Tampa. Its roof could not withstand the force of the wind that Milton brought when it made landfall.

There are many streets in many towns in Florida that have been turned into real rivers. Here is an example in Siesta Key.

Now that the hurricane has passed, reconstruction will be required, which will require the investment of huge amounts of money.

Hurricane Milton spread a collection of deadly tornadoes across parts of Florida, causing the majority of deaths, according to U.S. media reports.

Thousands of people followed the advice of the authorities and evacuated the areas of Florida most exposed to the hurricane, but there were many others who, out of necessity or conviction, stayed to face Milton.

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And experts warn that hurricanes as strong as this one will happen again, and more and more often. These are the consequences of climate change, which is warming ocean waters and making it easier for hurricanes to become more powerful than ever under certain conditions.