Florida Hospitals Rebound After Hurricane Milton

After Hurricane Milton swept through Florida, hospitals are working to get back to business as usual post-evacuations and cancellations.

At a Glance

Hurricane Milton caused significant damage and fatalities.
Hospitals in Florida are working to resume normal operations after evacuations.
Power outages affected over 3 million residents.
Fuel shortages and blocked roads complicated recovery efforts.

Impact of Hurricane Milton

Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm, landed near Sarasota, Florida, causing widespread destruction. Streets flooded, homes were razed, and the storm spawned deadly tornadoes. Despite its weakening upon arrival, it caused significant damage while sparing Tampa from feared storm surges.

The impact included fatality reports, with at least 16 deaths being attributed to the storm so far. Millions faced power outages, and fuel shortages further hampered recovery efforts. Meanwhile, the tourism sector began a slow recovery, with theme parks and airports reopening.

Last night, Hurricane #Milton struck Florida’s west coast as a Category 3 hurricane. We’re continuing to assess the needs of our @HCAFLHealthcare hospitals and work to ensure critical resources like generators, fuel and water are positioned in impacted areas. pic.twitter.com/BYZBrVAaBX

— HCA Healthcare (@HCAhealthcare) October 10, 2024

Hospital Preparations and Reopenings

Over 200 medical facilities were reportedly evacuated in preparation for the storm. HCA Healthcare, for instance, evacuated over 400 from its locations in evacuation zones to other facilities. Meanwhile, Tampa General Hospital, utilizing an “aquafence” to protect its campus, remained operational, and had stocked up on enough supplies ahead of time to last five days. John Couris, CEO, emphasized, “Preparing for Hurricane Milton was an incredible effort by the entire team and a true test of our resources.”

Most AdventHealth facilities escaped significant damage, with minor water intrusions reported. While some locations remain closed, hospitals gradually resume full operations as damage assessments continue. One emergency room in Tampa and one in Brandon were planning to reopen as early as this past Thursday, with normal operations resuming the following day. Hospital preparations in the state helped maintain minimal operational disruptions, safeguarding patients during the storm.

Challenges and Recovery

Despite the hospitals’ preparedness, broader challenges persist. Fuel shortages, blocked roads, and power outages complicate recovery efforts. The hurricane tested the resilience of Florida’s emergency response and community spirit. Roughly 3 million households experienced electricity disruptions, urging residents to remain home as rescue operations persisted.

The storm’s impact extended beyond healthcare, affecting travel plans and leaving families stranded. Despite these hurdles, communities are rallying to rebuild. Continuous support and recovery efforts remain prioritized to restore lives and essential services in the affected regions.