East Coast works on recovery efforts following hurricanes

Several hurricanes have caused immense damage across the East Coast in the past few weeks, but the recovery efforts have been successful.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), Hurricane Helene was a Category 4 storm that made landfall in Florida on Sept. 26 and then moved up along the East Coast. North Carolina governor Roy Cooper said in an interview with the New York Times that the hurricane was “the deadliest and most damaging storm to ever hit [the state].” 

The aftermath proved devastating for many, as severe floods rampaged across the southern Appalachians and led to over 200 fatalities. From the Gulf Coast to the North Carolina mountains, people were left without homes and power.

Another hurricane, Hurricane Milton, imposed catastrophic damage on Florida. It made landfall on Oct. 8 in Miami and lasted until Oct. 10. However, residents are still feeling the effects of the Category 5 hurricane. There were over 20 fatalities and more than three million Floridians were left without power. Schools were also destroyed.

Elementary school student Blakely Spicer was sad to see her Tampa school in ruins. She said in an interview with Good Morning America, “It made me feel not happy… everybody [was] crying.” 

Residents were also forced to abandon their homes. In particular, residents of an apartment complex in Clearwater, Florida were compelled to evacuate following the immense damage caused by Hurricane Milton. Joanna Greenfield is a resident of the complex; she said in an interview with Fox 13, “it was surreal… [she] had seen flooding before, but nothing to this extent.”

Scientists have conducted studies on the correlation between climate change and the destructiveness of hurricanes, and many agree that the link is strong. While scientists have not collectively agreed on a specific theory, the leading theory holds that the winds that steer hurricanes move slower in hotter weather. Consequently, recent hurricanes have lasted longer and affected people to a greater extent. 

Tornadoes have also been increasingly associated with hurricanes in recent days. According to the NWS, 15 tornadoes were associated with Hurricane Milton, thus augmenting the damaging impacts.

Nevertheless, a full recovery is possible and currently occurring. American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift donated five million dollars to Feeding America ahead of her Miami Eras Tour shows to aid relief efforts of the recent hurricanes. Former football quarterback Tom Brady likewise donated, putting in $100,000 to help those impacted by the damage in Florida. Moreover, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, 883 million dollars have been distributed in individual assistance and 99% of power has been restored of 5.1 million households. 65 disaster recovery centers are also open to assist.

These efforts have proved fruitful; the Asheville City School District in Western North Carolina reopened on October 28th following weeks of closure. Superintendent Maggie Fehrman said in an interview with Citizen Times that she “plans to take some time to process what happened and give [students] that opportunity for their voices to be heard so they feel seen.” 

Despite the difficulties they have faced, numerous affected individuals focus on the silver lining. “It is a little wearing, having to do the bucket brigade and drive somewhere to take a shower, but I feel fortunate… the people that are working on all of these problems are doing an amazing job,” southern Asheville resident Andrew Halprin said in an interview with the New York Times.

Written by Nisha Khatri

Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons