The last years have been tumultuous times domestically for the United States and its citizens. From rising crime in urban areas, cultural battles in public education across suburbs and rural communities, and the rising cost of living with inflation at 40 year highs, things have not been good. Over the last several months, natural disasters have ravaged the American west, creating tragic devastation and taking the lives and property of hundreds (and maybe thousands in one case) of individuals across the Pacific region. But one most recent hurricane which made landfall on Wednesday, August 30th has decimated a southeastern state and impacted several others.
Hurricane Idalia struck the western Gulf Coast of Florida at around 7:45 a.m. last Wednesday morning, seven days ago. As a category 3 hurricane, the intensity of the storm was significant, producing tremendous gusts of wind, rain, and flooding. Storm surges reached 16 feet in some inland areas, and winds reportedly reached speeds of 130 miles per hour. Entire roadways near the Apalachee Bay and the Sunshine states big bend region (where the gulf peninsula rounds into the states Panhandle) were washed underneath floodwaters. Florida’s governor and presidential candidate Ron Desantis made public statements and toured the region following the storm, warning people against looting. President Biden also pledged federal assistance, claiming to be in contact with southern governors. The storm deposited heavy rain and gusts of wind over Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and parts of Virginia, albeit at a weakened state. It is estimated that at least two individuals perished while driving small pickup trucks in the flooded regions.
Florida is not the only American state to grapple with a natural disaster this year. In Hawaii in early August, the deadliest wildfires in U.S. history ravaged Maui, destroying property and claiming 115 lives. Over 1,000 still remain missing. In California, hurricane Hilary produced record levels of flooding and rainfall, damaging homes and causing mudslides.
