Was Hurricane Helene worse than Hurricane Milton? This question often arises when comparing the impact of two devastating hurricanes that occurred in different years. Both hurricanes brought immense destruction and loss of life, but their severity and aftermath varied in several aspects. In this article, we will delve into the differences between these two hurricanes and determine which one was worse overall.
Hurricane Helene was a Category 4 hurricane that formed in the eastern Atlantic Ocean in 2016. It made landfall in the Lesser Antilles, causing widespread damage and loss of life. The hurricane’s maximum sustained winds reached 155 mph, and it brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surges to the affected regions. In terms of damage, Helene caused significant destruction to homes, infrastructure, and agriculture in the Caribbean.
On the other hand, Hurricane Milton was a Category 3 hurricane that struck the coast of Queensland, Australia in 1971. It was one of the most severe tropical cyclones ever recorded in Australia, with maximum sustained winds of 175 mph. The hurricane brought torrential rains, destructive winds, and storm surges, resulting in catastrophic flooding and widespread damage across the state. The death toll from Hurricane Milton exceeded 70, making it one of the deadliest cyclones in Australian history.
Comparing the two hurricanes, several factors can be considered to determine which one was worse. First, the death toll is a crucial indicator of a hurricane’s impact. While Hurricane Helene caused loss of life, the death toll from Hurricane Milton was significantly higher. The intense flooding and strong winds of Milton resulted in more direct loss of life, making it the more deadly of the two hurricanes.
Second, the economic impact of the hurricanes should also be considered. Hurricane Helene caused billions of dollars in damage to the Caribbean region, affecting tourism, agriculture, and infrastructure. Similarly, Hurricane Milton caused extensive damage to Queensland, with estimates of the economic impact ranging from $100 million to $200 million at the time. However, the value of money has changed over the years, and when adjusted for inflation, the economic impact of Milton might be higher than that of Helene.
Another factor to consider is the scale of the destruction. While both hurricanes caused widespread damage, the intensity of the winds and the resulting destruction were more severe in the case of Hurricane Milton. The strong winds and storm surges of Milton led to extensive flooding and the destruction of homes and infrastructure across Queensland.
In conclusion, while both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton were devastating storms, it can be argued that Hurricane Milton was worse overall. The higher death toll, the more significant economic impact, and the scale of destruction make Hurricane Milton the more catastrophic of the two hurricanes. However, it is important to remember that both hurricanes had a profound impact on the affected regions, and their comparison serves as a reminder of the power and destructiveness of tropical cyclones.
