Hurricane Milton slammed through the west coast of Florida, leaving in its wake a trail of ruin and disruption. According to the reports, it has killed 14 people and left more than 2.5 million residents without power. The Hurricane, maximised as a Category 5 Milton Hurricane, had sustained winds over 180 mph; it posed significant danger to communities lying along its path. Since Hurricane Rita in 2005, Milton was the strongest hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico.
(Image Credit: The Weather Channel)
A Community in Crisis
Because of the heavy rainfall associated with it, coupled with flash flooding, the hurricane has hit quite hard in urban areas, especially cities like Tampa. Indeed, some areas saw rainfall at rates as high as four or five inches per hour, which contributed to rapid inundation. It has stretched emergency services by rescuing people left stranded and providing aid to families whose homes were badly damaged. High-intensity winds have brought down trees and, further on, infrastructure damage has caused roads to become impassable in most places. Some major highlights of the impact are listed below:
- A landfall was reported near Siesta Key, Florida as a category 3 storm at 8:30 pm Wednesday.
- Including 6 as dead on St. Lucie County on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, 14 people are confirmed dead.
- Approximately 2.6 million people are still without electricity in Florida around 11 pm ET. (Source)
- Hurricane Milton manhandled the roof of Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Ray Baseball team.
- President Biden confirms over 1000 federal personnel are working as rescue teams and more than 50,000 line workers are working to get back electricity.
- On Wednesday morning, 23% of the gas stations in Florida were without fuel.
Emergency Response in Action
In response to the widespread destruction, Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis announced a state of emergency for several counties affected by Hurricane Milton. The declaration has made more resources and personnel available. State and federal agencies, with a host of volunteers, have been working continuously in an effort to restore power, provide shelter, and assist the residents in need. Electric restorations are at the forefront, as many residents are still without essential services.
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Assessment teams are still working to determine the extent of the damage; recovery efforts are a priority for the government. Residents are requested to stay informed and prepared for ongoing challenges, including possible additional flooding and power outages.
Looking Ahead
While recovery efforts are ongoing, residents have been advised to stay alert and follow safety advisories issued by local authorities. The aftermath of Hurricane Milton is a sober reminder of the devastating impact of natural disasters on communities and the importance of being prepared. Ironically, no matter how well-prepared we may be, disasters can rarely be averted without Divine Intervention. This is the reason why the term is Disaster Management and not Disaster Elimination. Likewise, disasters in life are a reminder for us to seek the true purpose of life and not momentary relief.
From Disaster to Salvation
When disaster strikes, shaking not only the earth but also the core of our lives, it is often the only moment we truly remember God with heartfelt sincerity. Jagatguru Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj emphasises the importance of remembering the Almighty in every circumstance, not just during hardship. He draws attention to the sacred teachings of Supreme God Kabir, our Creator, urging us to remember and connect with Him in all phases of life.
Kabir, dukh mein sumiran sab karaen, sukh mein karey na koye |
Jo sukh mein sumiran karein, to dukh kaahe ko hoye ||
Through the unrivalled sacred teachings of God Kabir, Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj demonstrates the often-ignored practice of remembering God at every moment, not just for our selfish desires. This act of remembrance, or ‘sumiran’, symbolises true worship of Supreme God Kabir. The authentic worship granted only by a Tatvdarshi Sant (Complete Saint), is the ultimate key to overcoming every challenge in life and achieving salvation.
In our current age, Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj is the only Complete Saint on Earth. The opportunity to live in a time when a Tatvdarshi Sant graces the world is a rare and precious gift, offering a once-in-several-lifetime chance to receive true spiritual guidance.
Understand why this worship is the only superlative spiritual path and why you must not delay seeking the refuge of the Greatest Saint the world has ever seen, through the following discourse, accompanied by evidence from our spiritual scriptures proving this claim:
