Hurricane Relief Efforts

Over the last few weeks, both Texas and the southeastern United States has been ravaged by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. These are the first two category three or higher hurricanes to make landfall in the U.S since 2005.

Brief SummaryJocelyn Augustino/FEMA

Hurricane Harvey made landfall as a category 4 hurricane on August 25 in southern Texas. The storm then stalled on the Texas coast for a few days, not leaving the area until August 30, leading to massive flooding and destruction in Houston and the surrounding areas before moving on to Louisiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas. The Houston area received upwards of 40 inches of rain. The hurricane also spawned many tornadoes in southeast Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and North Carolina.

Hurricane Irma made landfall in Florida as a category 4 hurricane early Sunday morning September 10th. Since then the storm has barrelled its way through Florida and is now doing damage in the southern United States. Many have been left without power for days now. There are at least four people who lost their lives to Irma, most from car crashes. The Florida Keys were the first to be hit early on Sunday where Irma left nothing but destruction throughout the islands and the rest of Florida. Florida may have dodged a bullet as Tropical Storm Jose appears to possibly take a turn northward before reaching southern Florida.

How to Help

Hurricane Harvey itself was the most financially catastrophic weather event in U.S history, according to AccuWeather President Joel Myers. Combined with Hurricane Irma, these two storms could cost the U.S $290 billion. The federal government has passed legislation to fund hurricane relief efforts in both Texas and Florida.John Harald Soby

For those who want to help out the victims of Harvey and Irma, there are many organizations taking donations to provide hurricane relief.

• The Red Cross has created its second hurricane response fund in the last two weeks, which will help out the victims of both Harvey and Irma. This can be found at http://www.redcross.org/donate/hurricane-harvey
• The Habitat for Humanity is accepting donations on habitat.org/hurricane. The group will help with clean up and rebuilding efforts for both Harvey and Irma.
• PayPal has opened up a disaster relief campaign. The company will waive all processing fees of donations so that 100% of the proceeds can go to the victims of Hurricane Irma. This can be found at www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/107725536494624790
• The Salvation Army has provided meals, shelter, and both emotional and spiritual care to those in need.

ACP will also be giving students a chance to pitch in to hurricane relief. Throughout next week during Success, members of the Class of 2019 will be going to classrooms taking donations from anybody wanting to help. There will also be a benefit concert held by the Drama Club at the homecoming tailgate to raise money for hurricane relief. This concert will feature performances from our own Knights and a $2 donation is recommended. Throughout next week during Success, members of the Class of 2019 will be going to classrooms taking donations from anybody wanting to help.