In the US state of Florida, preparations for the approaching hurricane "Milton" are in full swing: millions have been urged to head to safe places, people are barricading their homes and preparing for the worst.
The storm, which is expected to hit the west coast of Florida on Wednesday evening local time, could become one of the most dangerous in the state's history.
Traffic jams, fuel shortages, crowded hotels
The hurricane poses serious challenges for emergency services in Florida. Although the storm is expected to weaken before it reaches land, the huge size of the hurricane hides significant potential for destruction. The National Hurricane Center reported that the wind speed is currently reaching 257 km / h.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon reported that thousands of National Guard personnel have been mobilized. Helicopters and vehicles capable of handling flood conditions are on standby for rescue operations. Emergency centers across the state are stocked with supplies to provide immediate relief in the aftermath of the storm.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appealed to the population to take evacuation instructions seriously. Many of those wishing to leave the region, however, encountered difficulties: CNN reported traffic jams, fuel shortages and overcrowded hotels. Multiple airports have closed and the government has issued a warning to airlines after reports of extortionate fares emerged on social media.
Biden: "A matter of life and death"
Hurricane "Milton" could become one of the most destructive storms ever recorded in this region, the Hurricane Center warned, pointing out that there is a risk of coastal areas being flooded by temporary sea level rise. Life-threatening storm surges with waves up to five meters high, destructive winds and torrential rains are expected. There is also a risk of tornadoes.
"This is a matter of life and death", warned US President Joe Biden. The mayor of the coastal city of Tampa, Jane Castor, also issued an emotional warning to the population: "I can say without any drama: if you choose to stay in any of the evacuation zones, you will die". Compared to the hurricane two weeks ago, the potential threat from Hurricane "Milton" is "literally catastrophic", Castor warned.
Meanwhile, a video of a meteorologist from the American television station NBC6 speaking through tears is circulating on the Internet. "This is just an incredible, incredible, incredible hurricane", a visibly shaken John Morales says on the live broadcast. With a trembling voice, he adds: "I'm sorry, but this is just terrifying". After the broadcast, Morales explained that the extreme weather caused by global warming has changed him. "Frankly, you should be shocked too," he said, urging people to join the fight against climate change.
Biden cancels visit to Germany due to hurricane
Extreme weather conditions have also taken center stage in the election campaign. President Biden canceled his visit to Germany so that he could focus on the crisis. At the same time, Donald Trump accused Vice President Kamala Harris of withdrawing "all the money, billions of dollars" from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to spend it on housing illegal immigrants. Harris, in turn, responded that with such "political games" Trump shows that he always puts himself above the needs and plight of other people. Trump has no empathy, Harris added.
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have traveled to the affected areas several times to get a first-hand view of the situation and reassure people of their support.