“New data from NASA reveals how warm ocean waters in the Gulf of Mexico fueled Hurricane Ian to become one of the most powerful storms to strike the United States in the past decade.” (The New York Times).  Hurricane Ian has displaced over 40,000 people and killed at least 106. Its effects are catastrophic and it’s not just hurting the people in Florida. California has also sent out a team to aid Florida in a time of distress. Hurricane Ian is moving up the coast, and has already made landfall in South Carolina. If that’s not bad enough, the tropical storm is seen to be the costliest since Hurricane Andrew in 1992. 

The wind gusts of this category 4 storm was just 2 mph from being a category 5 tropical storm. The last category 5 hurricane was in 2018 when Hurricane Michael made landfall in Florida. Category 5 storms are very rare, and are very dangerous (Fox Weather). If that’s not enough, the cost of this hurricane is through the roof! “The Florida Department of Children and Families released more than $235 million in benefits to more than 773,500 households who were at risk of being impacted by Hurricane Ian” (CNN). Aid is limited to just 18 months for families to get back on their feet, there are some exceptions. Over 2 million people have had to deal with severe power outages and there are still 700,000 people without power.

There are many organizations you can donate to to help people in need. Some include, RedCross (https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/2022/red-cross-responds-to-hurricane-ian.html ), FEMA (https://www.fema.gov/disaster/hurricane-ian ), and Fidelity Charitable (​​https://www.fidelitycharitable.org/guidance/disaster-relief/how-to-help-hurricane-ian.html). 

Many people have described the effects of the storm as a ‘war zone’ and the impact that this storm has on our country is devastating. This is very important to students of YLHS because it gives them a chance to understand how important it is to help others during tough times. As Dhyani Balsara said “It is important to help others at every chance you get.” I agree with this because of all the events that have happened in the past few weeks. Starting school many freshmen often are confused or scared, and with upperclassmen there to guide them they will thrive and be able to learn in a safer environment. Everybody needs somebody sometimes. Hurricane Ian has hurt many people and donating and helping even 1 person is always going to be greatly appreciated.