Hurricane Irma
Millions of people are without homes in the United States after two major hurricanes hit the south. Hurricane Harvey hit Texas in late August and caused billions of dollars worth of damage in parts of the state, most notably Houston. Hurricane Irma hit Florida in mid September and also caused billions of dollars worth of damage. Both hurricanes were category 4 hurricanes when they made landfall just days apart. Hurricane Irma had a major impact on Florida but it’s effects were felt elsewhere as well. Irma’s power was felt throughout the southeast and Atlantic islands as neighboring states like Georgia and countries like Cuba and Puerto Rico also were left in its wake.
Before Irma hit the United States it went through many island countries in the Atlantic Ocean. Countries like Cuba, Puerto Rico, parts of the Caribbean and more were left in shambles as the Category 5 storm tore through them. In Barbuda, 95% of the buildings there suffered some sort of damage. While many homes were lost because of the storm, Irma took the lives of at least 24 people in the Caribbean alone. For those who survived the storm, there was not much to go back to after. In Cuba, most of the population did not even know the storm was coming due to the government system in place there. Citizens were left completely unprepared as the storm hit their homes and left utter devastation behind.
In the Florida, Irma caused a mandatory evacuation of most of the state as the now category 4 hurricane was heading straight for them. When Irma did make landfall it left places like Miami and the Florida Keys underwater. In Florida alone the death toll was up to at least 24 and it left millions of people without power, gas, or cell service. In Georgia, schools were cancelled as high winds and heavy rainfall made for dangerous conditions. In total, at least 69 storm related deaths in the United States.
Millions of people have been left homeless and may have lost everything after hurricane Irma. During times like these it is important for the country to join together and help those impacted by such a tragic event. To help those who have been affected by the storm, click on the links below the article to donate to the hurricane Irma relief fund or hurricane Harvey relief fund.
Irma:
Harvey:
Ian is a senior at Wheeler High School and is in his 3rd semester on The Catalyst. He is an athlete on the varsity lacrosse team. Unfortunately, he is...
