Hurricane Milton has plunged nearly 2 million people in Florida into darkness, stripping them of electricity. As a Category 5 storm, it ranks among the most destructive, historically causing significant loss. This year, the storm is also controversial, with conspiracy theories swirling, suggesting it is not a natural disaster but a calculated maneuver impacting the U.S. elections.
Let's delve into three pressing questions:
- What defines a Category 5 storm, and how dangerous can it be?- What conspiracy theories surround Milton? - How might a natural disaster influence election outcomes?
Current Situation
Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida on Thursday morning. The National Hurricane Center has categorized it among the most severe cyclones. Last month, Hurricane Helen wreaked havoc in the state, claiming over 200 lives as a Category 4 storm. Milton, predicted to be even more destructive as a Category 5 or more, hasn't yet shown the expected devastation. Notably, wind speeds appear akin to a Category 3 storm. However, hurricanes often change their known patterns, so concern lingers.
Source: aajtak
The Nature of Category 5 Hurricanes
Hurricanes are graded using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, based on speed and force, categorizing them from 1 to 5. With wind speeds exceeding 250 km/h, Category 5 hurricanes are deemed catastrophic. They tear through buildings, toss vehicles, and devastate infrastructure, disrupting electricity and communication networks. To aid Florida's defense against Milton, 9,000 National Guards and 50,000 electrical workers are on standby.
Conspiracy Theories Brew Stormily
While Milton wreaks havoc, conspiracies flourish. Recently, Republican leader Marjorie Taylor Greene claimed control over the weather is undeniable. Social media echoes the sentiment that Milton is artificially induced. However, NOAA dismissed these claims, stating no human technology can create, manipulate, or eliminate hurricanes, as per Director Howard Diamond.
Despite NOAA's rebuttal, conspiracy proponents argue that the U.S. military’s HAARP system could manipulate weather patterns. Similar allegations surfaced after an earthquake in Turkey over a year ago, claiming American influence, though proof remains elusive.
Source: aajtak
Some suggest the disaster is man-made, citing FEMA’s alleged focus on providing loans instead of aid. FEMA refutes this, asserting that emergency funds are never reclaimed.
Can Hurricanes Impact Elections?
Yes. Hurricanes directly affect elections by potentially lowering voter turnout in storm-battered areas. Given Florida's lean towards Trump, conspiracy theorists suggest voter turnout dips could alter election results. Recent polls from the New York Times and Siena College show Trump leading Harris by 14%, with 55% supporting Trump and 41% for Harris.
Are Cyclones Man-Made?
Claims remain inconclusive. Weather agencies globally work covertly, accusing and denying weather modifications. Despite potential technological tweaks, such accusations prompted the UN's early alerts. In October 1987, the UN drafted ENMOD (Prohibition of Military or Any Other Hostile Use of Environmental Modification Techniques), mandating that no nation employ weather changes to afflict another.
