By Brianna Wallen
News Editor
Category 3 Hurricane Milton left a path of destruction in Florida, as officials confirmed to CBS News that at least 24 people were killed.
As Milton moved across the peninsula to the Atlantic Ocean, Floridians were left without power and destroyed property.
Viewers all around the world were able to witness the horrors of Milton through their TV screen or phone.
At the university, students said that they watched the events of hurricane unravel from from the lens of Florida’s residents with the click of a button.
Nursing major Favour Amayo, a sophomore, said that on various social media apps, she saw those affected from the hurricane share their experience in real time.
“Most of my information has been seen on social media sites like TikTok and sometimes Instagram,” Amayo said. “I saw the water flooding the streets, broken houses and cars underwater.”
Despite being over 1,000 miles away from the line of disaster, through social media posts, more students are able to see the emotional impact that Floridians have undergone due to this natural disaster.
Health science major Rakeem Fuller, a sophomore, said that he was able to sympathize with the victims of the hurricane through their perspective.
“I saw posts from those who chose to stay. I heard they had to write their names and birthday on their arms in Sharpie,” Fuller said.
Floridians that did not evacuate were advised to write information on their arms to identify their bodies in case of death.
Not only were Florida residents’ safety at risk, but their property was in jeopardy as well. Many left behind their cherished belongings.
“It is very sad that all these people lost their homes,” Fuller said.
Social work major Lexi Murphy, a sophomore, said that these posts had a pull on her emotions.
“It’s very, very sad to see that everybody’s life is changing due to the natural disaster,” Murphy said.
Amayo said that although Hurricane Milton is tragic and affected her emotionally, she has become desensitized to it.
“I feel this hurricane is really scary and frightening. However, I feel like so many hurricanes and natural disasters have happened so much in that part of the country that to me it seems like another one,” Amayo said.
Despite this feeling, Amayo urges the campus community to bring awareness to the victims of Milton.
“As a student, I can probably spread more information about it to people,” Amayo said. “I would also recommend students to conduct interviews to see how people are feeling about it and comfort people who know someone that may have experienced losses from this hurricane.”
