USA: Florida hospitals reopening after hurricanes as plans proved largely effective

Hospitals across Florida are coming back online after evacuating patients, closing facilities and canceling surgeries ahead of Hurricane Milton.

The category 3 hurricane made landfall near Sarasota, Florida, on Wednesday evening and was expected to be one of the most powerful in Florida’s history. At least 10 storm-related deaths have been reported and the death toll is still expected to rise.

However, even amid widespread destruction from storm surge, tornadoes, hurricane force winds and torrential rain, officials said the worst-case scenario was averted because the storm weakened as it arrived.

Deaths expected to rise as Florida begins to assess Hurricane Milton destruction

“Preparing for Hurricane Milton was an incredible effort by the entire team and a true test of our resources,” said John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa general hospital, in a statement. Tampa general is the region’s only high-level trauma center. It stayed open through the storm.

“But it ensured we could continue to provide exceptional care for our patients in a high-quality, safe and uninterrupted environment before, during and after the storm,” said Couris.

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Source: The Guardian, 10 October 2024