Photo caption: Debris piles up on a Florida shore after Hurricane Matthew. At least 50 people from the United States were killed as a result of the natural disaster.
Tropical hurricane devastates the Carribean and parts of the United States
by Sophie Yang, ’19
Although Hurricane Matthew ended more than a month ago, it left calamitous impacts on the Caribbean and the southeastern United States. The hurricane, which hit in the week of Oct. 4, was ranked as a category five hurricane, the highest classification.
At least 50 people in the United States were killed as a result of Hurricane Matthew, and more than 2,000 are stuck in shelters. Throughout all areas affected, the hurricane has claimed the lives of over 1,000 people.
Meteorologists recorded winds that were higher than 107 miles per hour. Although the hurricane didn’t hit the Florida coast directly, North Carolina and Georgia suffered severe damage. When Hurricane Matthew made landfall, it devastates 1.5 million dollars’ worth of property. According to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, it brought harsh winds, heavy rains and flooding.
Hurricane Matthew also passed through parts of Haiti, including the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince. The city hadn’t completely recovered from a 2010 earthquake that left the country in ruins.
According to the New York Times, winds reached 145 miles per hour in Haiti, and many roads have been blocked by debris, blocking off possible relief. The hurricane killed at least 877 Haitians.
Because of the harsh post-hurricane conditions, many Haitians have been suffering from previously present illness such as cholera. There were also many homes and hospitals destroyed by the hurricane, leaving many people without medical care.
The American Red Cross has pledged to raise one million dollars to fight cholera in Haiti. The money will help purchase and administer oral cholera vaccinations, build hospitals and hire doctors to work throughout the country. These efforts are expected to help 10,000 Haitians.