The Saudi embassy in the US has issued an emergency advisory for Saudis residing in Florida and nearby states. Hurricane Milton, now a Category 5 storm, is heading toward Florida. The embassy advised citizens to follow state guidelines in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.
Storm Location and Intensity
As of 3 a.m. Saudi time, the storm was 700 kilometers southwest of Tampa. It recorded winds of 265 kph and experts expect it to make landfall on Wednesday or Thursday.
Authorities have ordered millions to evacuate as Hurricane Milton approaches. It is the strongest Gulf of Mexico storm since 2005. President Joe Biden postponed a trip to Europe and Africa, urging residents to evacuate. He warned that it could be Florida’s worst natural disaster in a century. “It’s a matter of life and death, and that’s not hyperbole,” he stated.
State and Federal Response
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed the Biden administration’s full support. He announced the deployment of thousands of National Guard personnel for relief efforts. Last month, Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, struck Florida’s Big Bend region, killing over 200 and causing $40 billion in damages. It was the deadliest storm since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Emergency Contact Information
The embassy provided emergency contact numbers for assistance: (202) 746-3555, (202) 746-0666, (202) 746-9777, and (202) 746-2888.
