Hurricanes, one of the world’s greatest natural disasters, are prevalent in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico during the infamous hurricane season, June 1, 2024, to November 30, 2024. In the southeast United States, Hurricane Helene ravages every community it visits. Colleges and universities have evacuated in preparation for this natural disaster, along with many other cities, to protect as many people as possible.
This category four hurricane has caused flooding and catastrophic damage in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia. Neighborhoods have been destroyed, communication has been disrupted, and “the death toll across six states soared to 128 Monday.” September 30, 2024, reports Holly Yan and Steve Almasy in the CNN article “Helene left at least 128 people dead and communities ‘wiped off the map.’ Now, survivors are struggling to get food and water.” Sadly, “Hundreds of people are reported missing,” so the death report is expected to continue to rise in the coming days. Along with the devastating casualties and disappearances, those who are accounted for are still struggling. There are not enough resources for everyone; many are trapped in their homes, and over “1.9 million power customers still had no electricity” four days after the hurricane tore through the region, according to PowerOutage.us.
Senior Kaitlin Prendergast empathizes with those stuck in the hurricane and those who had to evacuate. “I could not imagine what it would be like to be stuck and have no idea what would happen,” she said. “I hope everyone will be okay.” Senior Kimia Arana agreed with this sentiment, saying how this situation “is so scary. I wish the best for everyone who got affected by this hurricane.”
Every year, hurricane season devastates the southeastern region of the United States, so it is important to always be aware and prepared for these situations. Those stuck in the hurricane are cut off from everyone and have no way of communication, no power, and minimal resources. For those who evacuated to safety, they do not know what they will be returning to when they go home. Everyone has demonstrated great resilience in their rebuilding efforts and compassion in their community. Now, restoring communities begins, which will require even more strength from those who have already gone through so much.
