Emergency imposed here due to Hurricane Milton, appeal to millions of people to leave the sea area

Florida is all set to brace Hurricane 'Milton'. The storm is likely to reach near Tampa Bay on the west central coast of the US state on Wednesday. US President Joe Biden has deferred his scheduled visit to Germany and Angola, and instead decided to focus on the preparations related to Hurricane Milton in Florida. News of Florida has prompted over 50 lakh residents to leave the densely populated coastal area on the west coast. Meanwhile, Hurricane Milton reportedly gained momentum again on Tuesday and attained Category 5, the highest rating. Sustained winds of about 270 km/h are blowing at the centre.

New compulsory and voluntary evacuation orders were issued in over 20 counties in the state, Xinhua news agency reported. An urgent warning was issued by the officials for those who are under compulsory evacuation orders. According to them, the 'life-threatening hurricane (USA hurricane)' will reach Florida through the eastern Gulf of Mexico. The center of the storm may reach the west coast of Florida on Wednesday night.

Residents in Florida have been urged by the US National Weather Service's National Hurricane Center to keep their preparations complete as the situation will start getting worse by Wednesday. Weather News says, "Florida Governor Ron DeSantis tweeted on X, "Now is the time to work on your plan and follow the evacuation orders received from your local authorities. Your home can be rebuilt, but we can't replace the lives lost in the storm." The storm is expected to produce "a variety of weather conditions, including strong winds, deadly storm surges, tornadoes and heavy rainfall," the Florida Emergency Management Division warned on Friday. "Tropical storm force winds will be expected across parts of the state starting tomorrow, meaning it is unsafe to drive or be outside," the Florida Emergency Management Division said. Free shuttle services will be operated in several counties to help people reach safer places. In Florida, the Walt Disney World theme park said it would stay shut on Wednesday and is likely to remain closed on Thursday too.