Popular Cuban broadcaster based in Miami, Enrique Santos, dedicated a recent radio show to discussing preparations in Florida for the impending Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale. During the program, Santos interviewed Rose Angelakopoulos, a Tampa police officer from the region where the hurricane is expected to make landfall. Her stark warnings have captured the attention of Florida residents.
"For those who choose not to evacuate, I advise you to take a photo of yourselves and your clothing to aid in identifying you after the hurricane passes, which will be deadly," Angelakopoulos stated. "Use a permanent marker to write your name and date of birth on your arm; this will facilitate identification during rescue operations and body recovery," she added.
Even Santos, who was alarmed by her remarks, did not attempt to dissuade her, instead emphasizing the severe threat posed by this major hurricane to those in its path. He recalled the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, which resulted in over 200 deaths and more than 100 people missing in Florida, despite being less powerful than Milton.
Authorities Urge Immediate Action
During certain stages of the hurricane, firefighters and rescue teams are unable to venture out due to the risk to their operations and their own safety. Angelakopoulos reiterated that those who refuse to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Milton, and ignore serious warnings, are endangering themselves and their loved ones.
On Tuesday, Tampa's Mayor, Jane Castor, delivered a stern message to the city's residents regarding the approaching dangers of Hurricane Milton. "Helene was a wake-up call... Milton is literally catastrophic. Without any exaggeration, if you choose to remain in one of these evacuation zones, you're facing a fatal risk," she declared.
President Joe Biden also echoed the evacuation plea to Florida residents. "I urge everyone in Hurricane Milton's path to heed local authorities and follow safety protocols. If you're under evacuation orders, leave immediately. You should have evacuated already. This is a matter of life and death, not an overstatement," he emphasized from the White House.
Mass Evacuation Underway
The evacuation prompted by this hurricane is the largest Florida has seen in decades. Major traffic jams have developed on several highways. Many families delayed their decision to leave until the last moment, now finding themselves stranded on the roads as the storm approaches.