Hurricanes: Mother Nature’s Trials

Incredibly, against nature, the human race can not triumph. Any force would be null in attempt to dominate the natural world. The meteorological events that have taken place in the past weeks give credence to these statements. Harvey, one of the most costly hurricanes to ever hit in American history is what first drew the nation's attention to these disasters.

The first major hurricane since Wilma (2005), Harvey has racked up $190 billion in costs due to agriculture loss, increases in unemployment, and property and infrastructure damages among other causes. The catastrophic flooding seen in Texas was not due to the severity of the storm itself, but its slow movement through the southeastern portion of the state as well as Louisiana. Harvey stayed stationed in Texas from August 26th to the 30th, leaving over 300,000 people without electricity. As of September 6, Harvey’s death toll rose to 70 deaths spanning throughout 13 counties. After making landfall and dropping 2+ feet of rain, Harvey has displaced thousands along the Gulf Coast and Houston. Seeking to help those affected by the disaster, numerous organizations have undertaken work and set up funds to help pay for the damages. For instance, Houston’s mayor, Sylvester Turner, has established the Greater Houston Community Foundation. Other charities have launched relief funds; examples include GlobalGiving, The Center for Disaster Philanthropy, the Salvation Army, and Samaritan’s Purse among others. To help support the cause, you can go to these organizations’ pages and donate money, food, or even clothing.

Flooding in Texas after the events of Hurricane Harvey (ABC News)

Unfortunately, Harvey was not the only natural disaster to threaten the United States in the past month. Only one week after the events in Houston, the residents of Florida were informed of yet another hurricane coming their way. Due to its location near the tropics and the Atlantic Ocean, Florida is one of the most likely states to be affected by hurricanes. Florida was not the only area hit; Hurricane Irma struck Cuba with lethal winds on September 9, continuing its ever-increasing path of destruction through the Caribbean in transit to Florida. On the 10th, Irma slammed the Florida Keys as a category four hurricane, packing winds at 130 mph with a storm surge of 10 feet. Moving north, it passed through Naples and Miami, with wind gusts ranging from 99 to 142 mph. Irma then diminished to a tropical storm but not before leaving nine dead in Florida. Of course, Irma’s damage was much more devastating in the Caribbean, where the death toll has risen to 38, despite the fact that some islands remain cut off or in entropy as supplies remain low.

Comparison of Hurricane Irma and Matthew (Cetus News)

Despite the already cataclysmic episodes that have resided in the U.S, yet another hurricane is on its way to the states. Hurricane Jose was a Category 4 storm when it brushed by the Caribbean islands, not causing much damage. As of September 11, Jose was a Category 2 hurricane with wind speeds at 105 mph meandering throughout the Atlantic Ocean. Its path is still potentially threatening to Florida, although reports state that it is expected to become a Category 1 hurricane and approach the northeast of the country.

(Article was written in September)