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Electric vehicles (EVs) are all the rage these days. With their promise of lower emissions and smooth, quiet rides, it’s no wonder that the global demand for EVs has been soaring. However, if you live near the coast — or anywhere prone to flooding — there’s a less-talked-about risk that could make you rethink that shiny new electric car parked in your driveway: saltwater-induced fires from flooded EV batteries.<br /><h2>Saltwater and EV batteries</h2>When it comes to EVs, the heart of the vehicle’s power lies in its battery, usually a lithium-ion (Li-ion) pack. These batteries are highly efficient, but they’re also sensitive to water, especially the salty kind. In September and October 2024, the Southeast U.S. was hit by hurricanes Helene and Milton, which caused catastrophic flooding. Thousands of homes were damaged, and in a particularly frightening twist, 11 electric cars and 48 lithium-ion batteries caught fire after being exposed to salty floodwaters.<br /><br />Saltwater is a conductor of electricity, which means it can get into the EV battery packs, triggering a dangerous reaction. When water seeps into the battery, it can cause a short-circuit between the battery's terminals, which may lead to overheating, violent fires, and even explosions. In many cases, the fire doesn’t start right away — it can take hours or even days after the exposure before a thermal runaway event occurs, causing a dangerous blaze. Once the fire starts, it’s nearly impossible to put out with regular fire-fighting methods. Firefighters often have no choice but to let the battery burn itself out.<br />    <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113906136" title="Planning to purchase an EV? Here&amp;#39;s how to ensure it never catches on fire" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>In 2022, during Hurricane Ian in Florida, 36 EVs that had been flooded reportedly caught fire, even some that were being towed on flatbed trucks. The problem lies in how lithium-ion batteries react to saltwater. The metal terminals in these batteries, when exposed to salty water, can corrode and build short-circuiting paths that lead to fires days later. The fire hazard remains even in fully discharged batteries, meaning even seemingly "safe" vehicles after flooding could still pose a serious threat.<br /><h2>The risk to coastal cities</h2>This issue is especially concerning for coastal cities where rising sea levels and hurricanes are becoming more frequent. According to a 2023 report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), <keyword id="381751" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="electric-vehicle" source="Orion">electric vehicle</keyword> adoption is growing rapidly in many parts of the world, including India, where EV sales increased by around 50% in the first quarter of 2024 alone. Cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kochi are embracing EVs due to their environmental benefits and growing infrastructure support. However, these coastal cities are also at higher risk for flooding, making the combination of increased EV adoption and rising sea levels a perfect storm for potential disaster.<br /><br />In fact, areas prone to heavy rains and floods, like India’s coastal cities, are facing unique challenges. The combination of frequent monsoon floods and rising sea levels presents a scenario where more and more EVs could end up submerged in salty floodwaters, increasing the risk of battery fires in the region.<br /><h2>What does this mean for you?</h2>While electric cars are generally safe under normal conditions, the growing risk of battery fires due to flooding is an important factor to consider if you live in flood-prone areas, especially near the sea. The key takeaway here is that EV owners should take extra precautions when natural disasters loom, particularly hurricanes and floods. Here's what you can do to protect your EV:<br /><br /><ul><li>Move your EV to higher ground: If you're in a flood zone, take your EV to higher ground or evacuate it if possible. This will help prevent it from being submerged in salty water.</li><li>Evacuate early: Be proactive and evacuate before the floodwaters hit. Don't wait for the last minute to move your vehicle to safety.</li><li>After the flood, treat submerged EVs with caution: If your EV has been submerged in water, especially saltwater, it’s essential to avoid using it, charging it, or even moving it until it’s been inspected by professionals. Contact the manufacturer for a thorough inspection of the battery.</li><li>Do not attempt DIY fixes: If your vehicle has been exposed to saltwater, do not try to start it, charge it, or fix the battery yourself. The risks of fire are too high, and professionals are trained to handle such situations safely.</li></ul>

Buying an EV may be a somewhat dangerous move if you live near the sea

<keyword id="19895037" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bengaluru" source="keywords">Bengaluru</keyword> has been suffering from a pretty nasty streak of flooding every time the rains come rolling around, leaving residents struggling with power outages, flooded streets, and impassable roads. With this scenario in mind, let’s dive into how you can protect your vehicle during such conditions and how to care for it afterward. Driving through waterlogged roads can be intimidating, but with the right precautions, you can minimise damage to your vehicle.<br /><h4>1. Assess the <keyword id="23569146" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="water-depth" source="keywords">Water Depth</keyword></h4>Before attempting to cross a flooded road, take a moment to gauge how deep the water is. This isn’t just about looking at how far the water reaches on your tires, but also how other cars are handling it. Water deeper than 6 inches (about ankle height) can pose significant risks. For moving water, the danger is even greater. In fact, as little as 4 inches of fast-flowing water can sweep away a vehicle, leading to potentially life-threatening situations. Be cautious — if you're uncertain about the depth, turn around and take a different route.<br /><h4>2. Enter the Water Slowly and Steadily</h4>If there’s no way around the flooded street, approach it slowly. When you enter too fast, your car may aquaplane, which is when the tires lose contact with the road, making it easy to lose control. Aim for a slow and steady speed. as this allows your tires to maintain traction while reducing the chances of creating waves that could send water into the engine. Once in, keep your car moving at a steady pace without stopping.<br /><h4>3. Keep Your Engine Revved Up</h4>One of the major risks when driving through water is <keyword id="22589183" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="engine-damage" source="keywords">engine damage</keyword>. If water enters the exhaust pipe, it can cause the engine to seize, potentially leading to a costly repair. To avoid this, keep your engine’s revs high as you navigate through the water. In manual cars, slipping the clutch slightly while staying in a low gear helps maintain higher revs without speeding up too much. For automatic cars, switching to the lowest possible gear before entering the water is a smart move.<br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114274586" title="Bengaluru rains bring life to a standstill; relief likely after October 18" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><h4>4. Beware of Large Vehicles</h4>If you’re driving near trucks or buses, be mindful of the large waves they create as they plow through floodwaters. These waves can wash over your car, increasing the likelihood of water entering your engine bay or cabin. It’s best to wait for larger vehicles to clear the flooded area before attempting to drive through yourself. Keeping a safe distance ensures you’re not caught in their wake.<br /><h4>5. Know What to Do if You Stall</h4>If your vehicle stalls while driving through water, the immediate response is crucial. Try to restart the car as quickly as possible because the longer the car remains stationary, the greater the chance of water entering critical parts like the exhaust system. However, if the water is too deep or you're unsure, it’s best to avoid restarting to prevent further damage. Instead, push the car to safety if possible, or call for help.<br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114136105" title="Heavy rains to lash across the country between Oct 12-16, here&amp;#39;s how you can insure your home from rain&amp;#39;s fury" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><h2>Flood-aftercare for your vehicle</h2>Once you've navigated through the floodwaters, your car still requires attention to minimise long-term damage.<br /><h5>1. Dry Your Brakes</h5>Driving through water can leave your brakes wet and less effective, increasing your stopping distance. To dry them out, gently tap the brake pedal once you’re back on dry land. This friction helps evaporate any water that may have settled on the brake discs, allowing them to return to full function. Testing the brakes in a safe spot ensures they’re responsive when needed.<br /><h5>2. Inspect the Air Filter</h5>After driving through a flood, one of the first things to check is the air filter. If water has entered the air intake system, it can damage the engine. A soggy or dirty air filter should be replaced immediately to avoid contaminants entering the engine and causing performance issues later on.<br /><h5>3. Look for Signs of Water in the Engine</h5>If you suspect that water has entered the engine, especially if your vehicle stalled, resist the urge to restart the car. Instead, have the vehicle towed to a mechanic. Starting the engine with water inside can lead to hydrolock, where water in the cylinders causes the engine to seize, potentially requiring a costly engine replacement.<br /><h5>4. Thoroughly Clean the Undercarriage</h5>Floodwater is often filled with debris, dirt, and contaminants that can settle on your car’s undercarriage, leading to rust or corrosion over time. Once the water recedes, give your car a thorough wash, paying special attention to the underside. This will help prevent rust and other issues that could develop due to prolonged exposure to dirty water.<br /><h5>5. Monitor Electrical Components</h5>Flooding can wreak havoc on your car’s electrical systems. After driving through water, test all your vehicle's electronics — lights, indicators, power windows, and infotainment system. Water intrusion can cause malfunctions or short circuits, so if you notice any irregularities, have them inspected by a professional to prevent further issues.<br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114242444" title="Severe cyclone threat looms large near Chennai as IMD GFS predict landfall by Thursday!" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>By staying cautious during floods and following these post-care steps, you can keep your vehicle in good shape and avoid the worst of water damage.<br />

Rains forcing you to ride through waterlogged areas? Here’s how to safely traverse flooded roads and minimise damage to your vehicles

Over the next week, super heavy showers are set to hit the Indian subcontinent, especially in the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, South Interior Karnataka, Konkan and Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Arunachal Pradesh, and Gujarat, the IMD (<keyword id="19963725" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Meteorological-Department" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Indian Meteorological Department" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Indian Meteorological Department">Indian Meteorological Department</keyword>) has predicted. <br /><br /> Yesterday, India's financial capital, Mumbai was hit by a surprise, albeit hefty deluge of rain. Consequently, a yellow alert was issued for Thane, Pune, Palghar and other areas near to Mumbai. <br /><br />Between October 13-16, very heavy rainfalls are also expected in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh. It's no secret that incessant rains also bring about significant economic damages. As seen very often in the past, a constant barrage of torrential rains can also quickly create a flood-like situation, which can wipe away houses, vehicles and everything that comes in its way.<br /><br />Per media reports, the average economic impact on India due to <keyword id="19912527" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="floods" source="keywords">floods</keyword> between 2011 and 2021 has been a staggering Rs 25,805 crore. <br /><br />Imagine this-your entire se is flooded. Water has seeped into everything—your walls, furniture, and even the plumbing. Without a <keyword id="22058670" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="home-insurance" source="keywords">home insurance</keyword>, you'll have to spend a hefty amount towards repairs and to get your life and home back on track. <br /><br /><h2>Getting your home insured</h2>So, if you are wondering how to protect your hard earned material but immovable assets like house, the answer is right in front of you- Home Insurance. <br /><br />Says Dilip Baba, Head of Commercial and Speciality Underwriting, Go Digit General Insurance, "People usually spend their entire life savings on purchasing a home. However, people rarely think about how to protect their investment. By investing in the safety of home insurance, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your property is covered in case of unforeseen events.<br /><br />With home insurance, you can opt for three types of coverage-structure, content and comprehensive. <br /><br />While structure simply insures the physical, immovable formation of your house (walls, roofs), content coverage goes a step ahead and takes care of damage caused to your movable items like furniture, electronics and other items due to natural calamities, theft and more, up to a certain limit. This can also include any valuable artwork or antiques, or additional installation like solar panels you might have at your home. <br /><br />A comprehensive home insurance brings together both structure and contents in its insurance ambit. Having a home insurance can not just protect you from natural calamities like floods, but also from unforeseen events like theft, fire and more. The annual premium of a home insurance policy can range between Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000 depending on the type and extent of coverage taken.<br /><br />Before buying a policy, be sure to clarify whether it offers actual cash value, which considers depreciation, or replacement/reinstatement cost, which covers the full replacement without depreciation deductions.<br /><br />To be on the safe side, you can also choose additional covers like accidental death insurance, or rent coverage, if you lose out on rental income due to damage caused to your property. You can use the carpet area of your house to get a sense of your home insurance requirements. Other covers you can opt for include valuable contents (on agreed value basis under home contents cover), additional living expense cover, tenant liability insurance, among others.<br /><br />Says Amit Bhandari, Chief Technical Officer at Magma HDI General Insurance, "When selecting a policy, it’s crucial to assess the unique risks that your home may face, particularly if you live in an area susceptible to <keyword id="19922196" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="natural-disasters" source="keywords">natural disasters</keyword>. You should tailor your coverage to address these risks while considering premium reduction strategies, such as excluding unnecessary coverages".<br />

Heavy rains to lash across the country between Oct 12-16, here's how you can insure your home from rain's fury

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Jesús Lucero Ezquerro, who lives in Valencia, was in disbelief when he saw the damage from floods.</li><li>He said people in the path of the waters got little advance warning.</li></ul><p><em>This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Jesús Lucero Ezquerro, 28, who lives in the Poblats Marítims district of Valencia, Spain.</em></p><p><em>The region has been ravaged by </em><a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/spain-flooding-51-dead-in-valencia-region-economic-hub-2024-10"><em>flash floods</em></a><em>. Ezquerro spoke to BI on Thursday. The following has been edited for length and clarity.</em></p><p>I've lived in Valencia for four years. Everything seemed normal on Monday — literally, nothing happened.</p><p>But at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, things started getting ugly in most of the province. It was starting to rain and get very windy.</p><p>Around 7:30 p.m., we started getting texts from local authorities alerting us of heavy rains and urging us to stay home.</p><p>I said to myself: "Holy cow! But it's not raining here." I'm north of the river Turia in Valencia, so I wasn't affected and it hardly rained.</p><p>I was shocked and alarmed by the images I started seeing on social media of people south of the river. People <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link c-link--focus-visible" href="https://x.com/ElPorteroRumano/status/1851631998722269659">stuck in </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link c-link--focus-visible" href="https://x.com/MeteOrihuela/status/1851375778216251428">trees</a>, people being pulled from a torrent <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link c-link--focus-visible" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@elespanolcom/video/7431854392258628897">by rope</a>, people <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link c-link--focus-visible" href="https://x.com/Ji_Predicciones/status/1851566884841259359">screaming.</a></p><p>I didn't have a car or any vehicle when the storm hit, so I couldn't do anything but stay put. I wasn't scared as I don't have a business to worry about and live on the fifth floor of my building.</p><p>But I was and still am worried about those affected and the innocent lives being lost. By the time the alerts came, the storm had already hit.</p><h2 id="ca3c0d9a-c56b-47b5-a2d6-569f84ce2140">Back to the Middle Ages</h2><p>The next day, a friend and I biked to see the damage in southern Valencia, the area most affected by the storm.</p><p>The metropolitan transport system had collapsed, the subways were flooded, and the buses could not access some areas.</p><p>Before even reaching the area, we saw trucks and cars crowded on the road south of the river alike fallen dominoes.</p><div type="image" title="Cars left thrown on top of each other after a storm struck Valencia, Spain, in a picture taken on October 30, 2024." height="1200" width="1600" msid="114856601" hostid="261" sizebytes="43580"></div><p>The streets were full of dirt, covered with mud and water. People to the south of the river had no power or signal. It was like going back to the Middle Ages.</p><p>We also helped a group of young people clear a sidewalk. We were up to our eyebrows in mud.</p><p>The police were there, but there were hardly any other emergency services in the area, as they were rescuing people who were at risk.</p><p>Friends have lost their cars. Some have garages full of water and mud that they are cleaning. I don't know anyone close to me who died.</p><p>We returned home in a state of shock, taking it all in.</p><div type="image" title="Jesús Lucero Ezquerro and a group of friends on a street in Valencia on October 31, 2024." height="2448" width="3264" msid="114856606" hostid="261" sizebytes="414184"></div><h2 id="1fe11538-3d27-4b56-8220-055f4526ea14">Left behind</h2><p>I am frustrated and angry.</p><p>I have a background in marine environmental emergencies and forest fire management, and I now work for a company on a firebreak management and forest fire prevention project.</p><p>So, I'm not a firefighter or a member of the military, but I've worked on environmental emergencies from an intelligence-gathering point of view.</p><p>I know how to evacuate people, how to manage populations, and how to manage adverse situations. But that did not happen in Valencia.</p><h2 id="24b81fb8-4f22-4359-a97e-6f0760015239">Worse than <strong>Hurricane Milton</strong></h2><p>I remember watching the news of Hurricane Milton hitting Florida last month and how Floridians were preparing for it.</p><p>Residents boarded up their windows with large wooden panels; store owners were getting ready for it, and people evacuated.</p><p>The Tampa mayor even urged people to leave and said that anyone who stayed would die.</p><p>After Hurricane Milton, there <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce3zdg2wlvqo#:~:text=One%20of%20at%20least%20a,died%20across%20the%20US%20state.">were at least 16 deaths.</a> Meanwhile, here in Valencia, it's already about 10 times as many.</p><p>The Spanish Meteorological Agency had issued an <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.antena3.com/noticias/el-tiempo/actualidad/dana-valencia-que-pasaron-mas-10-horas-alerta-aemet-aviso-moviles-alert_20241031672370a3d058410001ca758c.html">alert days before</a> the storm. But on Tuesday, nothing happened. There was absolute calm in the morning. People were going to work and to university. When the local alerts came, the storm was already happening.</p><h2 id="27ab23b6-b666-4dce-ada9-fd22df28f8fa">A wake-up call</h2><p>Undoubtedly, human errors were made. I've never seen anything like it.</p><p>In a country like Spain, with the means, agencies, and intelligence we have, it is horrible that this happened.</p><p>At a certain point, authorities were saying 50 dead, then 60, then 70, then 90. To me, that doesn't sound like much. I believe that when the waters recede and the mud clears, more dead bodies will be found.</p>

I live in Valencia, Spain, where flooding has taken over 100 lives. I can hardly believe what's happened here.

Dhaka: <keyword id="19919639" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bangladesh" source="keywords">Bangladesh</keyword>'s garment industry, a vital economic pillar, is facing a severe crisis due to a volatile mix of <keyword id="20444027" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="political-unrest" source="keywords">political unrest</keyword>, including violent protests, and catastrophic flooding, threatening to unravel years of rapid growth and global prominence. The textile and garment industry, which accounts for over 80 per cent of Bangladesh's total export earnings and contributes approximately 11 per cent to the nation's GDP, has been hit hard. <br /><br />This industry contributes significantly to export earnings and employs millions. <br /><br />Following the unprecedented anti-government protests, which reached a crescendo on August 5, Sheikh Hasina resigned as prime minister and fled the country. She landed in India on August 5 and is currently staying there. <br /><br />The two-month-long anti-quota protests have led to widespread demonstrations, curfews, and violence. This unrest has not only disrupted factory operations but has also caused significant economic losses. <br /><br />Factories were forced to close, and with the peak season for Christmas shipments and the booking of next season's orders upon us, the timing of the unrest has exacerbated the crisis. <br /><br />The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (<keyword id="22930680" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="BGMEA" source="keywords">BGMEA</keyword>) recently has reported substantial financial losses, estimating a shortfall of Tk 6,400 crore (approx Rs 4,500 crore) due to the shutdowns and communication breakdowns. <br /><br />Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, the newly elected president of the BGMEA, mentioned that the goal of reaching nearly USD 45 billion in exports this year may not be achieved. <br /><br />He attributed this to disruptions in both export activities and production. <br /><br />"I think this is a temporary crisis and we will tide over it. The exact magnitude of the losses will be known later, but yes, there has been an impact," he told PTI. <br /><br />Echoing similar sentiments, former cabinet minister and president of BGMEA, Gholam Sarwar Milon, said the garment industry has been badly hit by both the political unrest and the floods, as both production and the supply chain of raw materials have been severely affected. <br /><br />"The crisis in the garment industry is unprecedented. Production is nearly 15-20 per cent less than the corresponding period last year. Several orders have dried up as investors and order suppliers are wary about investing. Several small factories have either closed down or are working on sub-contracts for big factories," he told PTI. <br /><br />According to BGMEA sources, out of 3,000 major and small garment factories in Bangladesh, nearly 800-900 have closed since last year. <br /><br />"The big factories have survived, but the small and medium factories have borne the brunt. If the situation persists, it will worsen further," he said. <br /><br />Milon suggested that the garment industry needs to diversify into making jute bags and other high-end clothing and also look for new markets. <br /><br />The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association has projected losses of around USD 58 million. The impact on the industry is compounded by the recent flooding, which has further disrupted logistics and exacerbated the economic fallout. <br /><br />Bangladesh's main port, Chattogram, through which more than 90 per cent of the country's international trade transits, has become a focal point of the chaos. The port's operations were paralysed during the political unrest, leading to significant delays in shipments. <br /><br />Factories have struggled to maintain production schedules, and backlogs at ports and airports have stretched to a month in some cases. <br /><br />To mitigate the damage, factories have turned to air freight and extended working hours, but these measures have not fully alleviated the delays. <br /><br />The president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), Mohammad Hatem, said orders are down by 15-20 per cent. <br /><br />"The industry has incurred huge losses in the last few months. In 2014, during political unrest, we suffered a similar situation. It then took us three years to return to the previous state. We hope to tide over the situation soon as Chief Advisor <keyword id="20024384" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="muhammad-yunus" source="keywords">Muhammad Yunus</keyword> is taking several steps to restore normalcy," he told PTI. <br /><br />Hatem feels that if the situation is not overcome soon, there is a growing perception that foreign investors might look at new markets in other South Asian nations. <br /><br />"However, other South Asian markets don't have the infrastructure like Bangladesh, which has such huge production capacity," he said. <br /><br />The garment industry's workforce, which employs over 4 million people directly and nearly 15 million indirectly, with a significant proportion of women, faces mounting uncertainty. <br /><br />The sector's remarkable growth over the past two decades-from USD 5 billion in exports in 2001 to nearly USD 40 billion in 2023-now stands at risk. <br /><br />The floods have compounded the challenges, causing damage to infrastructure and further complicating logistics. <br /><br />Monsoon rainfall-triggered floods in deltaic Bangladesh and upstream Indian regions have killed several people and marooned or affected nearly 3 million others in Bangladesh, posing a huge administrative challenge to the newly installed interim government amid a political transition. <br /><br />"Due to the floods, the supply chain has been badly affected. We reached a high in 2023-24 where our garment exports touched around USD 46 billion. This time it is likely to be much less," said former army major and owner of a woollen garment factory, Mahfuzur Rehman. <br /><br />The sector's growth from a small-scale operation in the early 1980s to becoming the world's second-largest apparel exporter, after China, underscores its strength. <br /><br />In the financial year 2009, Bangladesh's apparel exports were valued at USD 12 billion. By the financial year 2023-24, this figure had surged to over USD 46 billion, reflecting the industry's capacity for recovery and growth even amid adversity. <br /><br />In response to the crisis, the interim government, now led by Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist Muhammad Yunus, has prioritised restoring order and stability. <br /><br /> According to garment industry insiders, the path to recovery is fraught with challenges as the political instability has undermined investor confidence, and the recent flooding has further strained the already fragile infrastructure. <br /><br /> "The sector's resilience will be tested as it attempts to regain its footing and restore its reputation as a reliable global supplier," a garment industry owner, who did not wish to be named, said. <br /><br /> He added that despite the current crisis, Bangladesh's textile and garment industry has shown great strength and the ability to recover in the past.

Bangladesh garment industry faces crisis amid political unrest and floods

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Uber and Lyft drivers in Florida saw gas shortages and obstructed roads before and after Milton.</li><li>Five drivers said these impediments prevented them from helping people and earning valuable income.</li></ul><p>Sergey, a Lyft driver in St. Petersburg, Florida, helped families<strong> </strong>load their suitcases into the trunk of his car before driving them to a nearby hurricane shelter on October 9. Many of his passengers were anxious about <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/family-weathered-hurricane-milton-at-disney-hotel-2024-10">Hurricane Milton's arrival</a> and racing to evacuate in the hours before it hit.</p><p>Sergey completed 12 rides on October 9, according to screenshots shared with BI. He said several of his passengers faced flooding and destruction from <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/hurricane-helene-milton-tampa-florida-desantis-clean-disaster-dangerous-2024-10">Hurricane Helene</a> two weeks prior and were scrambling to return to their routines. Many brought their pets with them. Some didn't know if their homes would be standing the next day.</p><p>After making landfall in Florida, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/hurricane-milton-landfall-florida-housing-market-insurance-fema-2024-10">Hurricane Milton</a> caused at least 14 deaths and left millions without power. In the days preceding the storm, some Uber and Lyft drivers went from transporting beachgoers to helping residents flee their communities — before eventually fleeing themselves. But after Milton passed, five drivers told BI that inaccessible roads, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/hurricane-milton-evacuation-empty-gas-station-full-hotels-gridlock-traffic-2024-10">a lack of gas</a>, and a<strong> </strong>suspended ride-hailing app prevented them from helping people and earning valuable income.</p><p>"I drove for several hours right after the storm, and there was not a single gas station open anywhere in St. Petersburg," said Sergey, 54, who asked to use his first name for fear of professional repercussions.</p><p>From his 12 rides, Sergey made $129 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-much-uber-lyft-drivers-make-per-ride-2023-10">before expenses</a> and received one tip. His home is without power, and driving is his only source of income. However, his car only has three miles of gas left, and each day without earnings is stressful, he said.</p><p>Many of his rides over the last few days were headaches — one paid $5.36 for a 16-minute ride, <span>which he said compares to the</span><strong> </strong>amount he'd expect to<span> make for a similar journey</span>, while another was elongated because of closed exits. He rejected a 113.5-mile ride from Clearwater to Orlando<strong> </strong>because the estimated payout was $84.31 with a bonus, far less than what's standard, he said.<strong> </strong>Some rides he accepted had no people waiting at the destination.</p><div type="image" title="Destruction outside an apartment complex in St Petersburg, Florida after Hurricane Milton." height="1080" width="1444" msid="114169712" hostid="261" sizebytes="90492"></div><p>During Hurricane Milton, Uber suspended service for several hours in three Florida cities that were in the storm's direct path: Fort Myers, Sarasota, and Tampa Bay,<strong> </strong>a spokesperson told BI. They added that service has been restored in these metro areas but remains suspended along the most heavily impacted barrier islands.</p><p>Additionally, the spokesperson told Business Insider the company worked closely with state officials in Florida over the past few weeks to assess the situation posed by the hurricanes and partnered with the Florida Division of Emergency Management to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mypanhandle.com/weather/hurricane-helene/uber-offers-free-rides-to-shelters-for-floridians/">provide</a> some people with free transportation to shelters.</p><p>Lyft did not respond to Business Insider's request for comment or questions regarding whether the app also suspended service during the storm.</p><h2 id="928e9756-39a3-4d0c-ae87-72a989030640"><strong>The evacuation process was "stressful"</strong></h2><p>Drivers across the state recalled panicked passengers, fallen trees blocking roads, and lengthy gas station lines on October 10 and 11.</p><p>Trent T., 50, drives independently for his own transportation company and for Uber and Lyft in South Florida. He said the tornadoes from Milton were "absolutely insane," and one of his clients' homes was destroyed. He asked to use partial anonymity for fear of professional repercussions.</p><p>On October 8, Trent said he went to six gas stations before he could find one with inventory and fill up his tank. On the day of the storm, Trent drove passengers fleeing the Tampa Bay area to hotels, noticing that many stores were out of essentials like water. He said hotels in South Florida were mobbed, and he offered his house to anyone evacuating, though no one accepted.</p><p>Blaine, an Uber driver based in the Tampa area, left his home after learning he was in an evacuation zone. Hotels quickly booked up across the state, but he said he secured a room in Ocala — about a two-hour drive from Tampa.</p><p>However, there was a mixup with the hotel regarding the night he booked, and his reservation was void. He drove to a hotel in Savannah, Georgia, to seek shelter. The typical five-and-a-half-hour drive from Tampa took eight hours due to traffic, he said.</p><p>"That was stressful," the 57-year-old told BI.</p><h2 id="f85e7843-407a-45c1-933d-6fe7144dfaae"><strong>Drivers are eager to return to their ride-hailing gigs for necessary income</strong></h2><p>Trent said he can go a few days without consistent rides and their fares but feels for drivers who live paycheck to paycheck. He said the storm could be disastrous for some drivers relying on tourism this time of year, which isn't as high as the city's peak season but still draws crowds looking for warm weather in the fall.</p><p>"If you were in Tampa for instance, and your rent is due this week, and now all of a sudden the storm is coming, you're five days without work," Trent said.</p><p>It's why some drivers are looking to get back on the road as soon as possible.</p><p>Yvonne, a part-time <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/driving-uber-lyft-women-drivers-how-make-money-gig-economy-2023-12">Uber and Lyft driver</a> in the Tampa Bay area, uses the extra income from driving to help support her two grandchildren. When the hurricane approached, she said she decided not to leave her home because it wasn't in an evacuation zone. However, the roof of her patio suffered significant damage and she lost power.</p><p>She hasn't driven for Uber or Lyft since the hurricane hit. Yvonne said the roads aren't conducive to driving because many are flooded or scattered with trees or power lines. However, if the conditions change, she plans to return to her ride-hailing gig by this weekend to start earning money again.</p><p>Charles P., 44, who drives part-time around Titusville — a city about 40 miles east of Orlando — said there wasn't too much damage on the roads, but he stopped driving for a few days to avoid potentially damaging his vehicle. He's seen a drop in demand and worries that tourism may decline. When he drove on Thursday, he said getting rides was very slow.</p><p>"I usually try to do a certain amount of money per day, but I'm probably down about half of what I normally do in three days," Charles said. "I do foresee, as things get cleaned up, that our income will probably continue to rise or get back to normal."</p><p><em>Are you an Uber or Lyft driver in a hurricane-impacted area who's willing to share your story? Reach out to these reporters at </em><a target="_blank" href="mailto:jzinkula@businessinsider.com"><em>jzinkula@businessinsider.com</em></a><em> and </em><a target="_blank" href="mailto:nsheidlower@businessinsider.com"><em>nsheidlower@businessinsider.com</em></a><em>.</em></p>

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