By Christina Wilson
Throughout the month of September, various southeastern states and territories were hit by powerful and destructive consecutive hurricanes. Hurricane Fiona and Hurricane Ian swept miles of land with strong winds and floods leaving piles of damage.
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Artwork by Saffah Azeem
Hurricanes Fiona and Ian take over news headlines as they sweep through Southeast USA and the Caribbean.
The first hurricane to hit, Hurricane Fiona, formed near Puerto Rico around September 14, slowly curving upwards to the southeastern part of the US. Although the Category 4 hurricane did not directly hit the US, it brought strong rip currents and waves to the eastern coast, thus flooding the southeast border of the country. Hurricane Ian, also a Category 4 hurricane, initially formed in the central Caribbean on September 23, and directly hit the southeastern coastal states from Florida to South Carolina.
Occurring consecutively, Hurricanes Fiona and Ian left a long-lasting mark on the people of Florida. More than 100 people died, and that number is still increasing as search parties continue to investigate. Houses were either destroyed or flooded, forcing people to evacuate their homes. Damages to property in affected regions cost between an estimated $53 billion to $73 billion.
As debris is being lifted and Florida citizens return home, other states and organizations are aiming to raise money to help citizens get back to “normal.” The Internal Revenue Service is extending the time-period for paying taxes for those affected by the hurricane as part of their relief plans. Organizations such as Salvation Army and Jetty Rock Foundation are compiling resources and personnel to go to Florida to help citizens with daily necessities and building back to normalcy.
“Seeing local and national organizations help out is really heartwarming. Things will probably never be normal for some Florida families because of their losses, but showing our support definitely does help out,” junior Angelina Alias said.
Some clubs, such as Model UN, are promoting relief efforts through their respective social media and upcoming events.
“It breaks my heart to see the lives hurt by natural disasters. Throughout the month of November, the Model United Nations club plans to vocalize and help fundraise for those affected by recent disasters,” Secretary Rebecca John said.
As recovery takes place, many New Hyde Park students hope to provide further support in the near future.
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