Superstorm Sandy Strikes
by Zayneb Almiggabber
In late October, Super Storm Sandy destroyed much of the Northeastern region of our nation. The storm hit in the midst of late October with rough winds and heavy rains, forcing millions to remain indoors or evacuate their homes. Sandy formed over the coast of Jamaica, and quickly developed into a hurricane over the course of a week, passing over the Caribbean Islands and the East Coast of the United States. Nearly half of the fifty states were affected, with New Jersey and New York receiving the most severe damages. The majority of Long Island was without power for several days. Flooded buildings and fallen trees wrecked thousands of living spaces, with the worst damages in the Jersey Shore, Rockaway Beach, Breezy Point and Staten Island. Even today, nearly two months after the storm, victims are still struggling to repair the damages caused by the storm.
The damages and losses felt during and after the Sandy were centered on the unavailability of shelter, light, and electricity—resources that many Americans generally take for granted. The loss of electricity did not only pose a major problem to both residents and the power authority, but also caused a major shortage in gasoline. Gas stations lacked the constant flow of electricity necessary to keep fuel conditioned in the tanks. The gasoline limit caused mayhem among drivers, and violence broke out at the pumps. Crowds grew to the point where gas rationing became the only option for both NJ and NY.
The damages and losses felt during and after the Sandy were centered on the unavailability of shelter, light, and electricity—resources that many Americans generally take for granted. The loss of electricity did not only pose a major problem to both residents and the power authority, but also caused a major shortage in gasoline. Gas stations lacked the constant flow of electricity necessary to keep fuel conditioned in the tanks. The gasoline limit caused mayhem among drivers, and violence broke out at the pumps. Crowds grew to the point where gas rationing became the only option for both NJ and NY.
With power out at nearly every corner, driving became an issue as well. Fallen trees blocked off streets and broken stop-lights made the flow of traffic unbearable. Police officers were stationed at major intersections; some junctions were unprotected by the officers and the safety of drivers depended on their own integrity and wariness as they drove.
The Hurricane’s power outage also brought immense crowds to the businesses who regained power during the first days of the aftermath. Local businesses like Dunkin Donuts, McDonald’s and Barnes & Noble Booksellers were packed with people who sought Wi-Fi connection, electricity and even meals, since the lack of power took away many of the bare necessities.
Hurricane Sandy was the second-costliest hurricane in United States history, only behind Hurricane Katrina in 2005. It became the largest Atlantic hurricane on record; despite several warnings, many did not expect the damages and scarcity of resources that followed. The storm has shown that our generation is undeniably and entirely dependent on electrically powered energy. “We have a 100-year flood every two years now,” said Governor Cuomo.
Numerous fundraisers have been held to raise money for those who lost power and suffered food and water shortages. Charities such as the American Red Cross collaborated with NBC and held a live television concert, “Hurricane Sandy: Coming Together,” with Jon Bon Jovi, Christina Aguilera, Mary J. Blige and Billy Joel, among others, performing to raise money for relief efforts. The United Nations sent humanitarian aid to areas in the Caribbean region affected by the storm. News Corporation donated $1 million to the New York City Metropolitan Area. ABC TV Group held a “Day of Giving”, and donations were even made by internet groups such as Tumblr and Humans of New York.
Despite the overall devastation, the experience seemed to have brought residents of affected states much closer. In the aftermath of the storm, neighbors, friends and strangers alike assisted each other in the recovery process. The students and clubs of New Hyde Park Memorial created care packages for students, teachers and administrators who have struggled with the unpredictability of this storm. The East Coast has not experienced such a tragedy in years, if at all. Though the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy included widespread struggle and suffering, it also included the convergence of people all across the United States—people who proved that together, any struggle is withstandable.