Hurricane Michael wreaked havoc in Florida a month ago leaving destroyed homes and ruined businesses. At least 34 people are dead and some are still missing. Michael was the third-most intense Atlantic hurricane that made landfall in the eastern part of the United States. It is only behind the 1935 Labor Day hurricane and Hurricane Camille of 1969. Michael had formed in the southwestern coast of the Caribbean Sea on October 2. After a few days of being a tropical depression Michael intensified into a hurricane near the western tip of Cuba it moved northward. Michael rapidly strengthened in the Gulf of Mexico, making it a category 4 hurricane. A scientist named Jon Zawislak who flew in the storm said that “Hurricane Michael had the craziest turbulence” during a interview with Business Insider. Zawislak holds a Ph.D. in atmospheric science and works as a hurricane field program director for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Hurricane Micheal left nothing but empty foundations and piles of rubble in some parts and roads were blocked by trees. Many families were left without power on October 12. Brock Long, head of FEMA had called Mexico Beach, that had a population of about 1,200, “was probably ground zero for Hurricane Michael” in a interview with CBS News. The hurricane then moved across Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia.
Rescuers are still finding bodies in the aftermath of the hurricane, and are worried that the people who didn’t evacuate are under the debris of houses or rubble. They are trying to find as many people as they can so they can receive medical treatment. Some people are having cell phone reception come back on, but very slowly. A family even spelled ‘help’ with logs because they had no food or power.
Micheal caused at least $11.28 billion dollars worth of damages, including $100 million in economic losses in the southern part of Central America and caused major flooding and heavy rain. In Honduras people had to evacuate their homes and move to higher ground.
A program called “Helping hands” recruited about 11,000 volunteers to help out after Micheal had hit. Mormons from Louisiana and more volunteers from 5 different southeastern states went to Florida and started to help the communities. They also have been donating food and supplies to all the families that are repairing their stores and homes.
