HAWK NEWS

Florida Keys after Hurricane Irma

By: Nautica Leon

Hurricane Irma was an extremely destructive storm with winds of 185 mph (295 km/h). Irma erupted on August 30, 2017 by the Cape Verde Islands. There were 102 total fatalities as of September 16, 2017. This windstorm caused over $62.87 billion (USD) in damage. Many people in the Florida Keys were left without power or homes. Houses collapsed on themselves and roofs flew off during the storm. Trailer homes were demolished. Without any power, food in fridges eventually rotted. Appliances such as washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, stoves, and more were damaged and lined up on the side of roads to be picked up by garbage trucks. The citizens water supply has been contaminated and needs to be boiled for use. Streets were majorly flooded and covered with tremendous amounts of sand. Truck workers have been clearing the streets of debris and sand. Even fixing the cracks on the pavement to secure roads. FPL and cable companies are working as fast as they can to restore electricity. During my visit to the Florida keys, I’ve seen major improvements in road work, and clean up. Some houses already have power but no television or internet. The beaches are contaminated at the moment and it’s not recommended to swim yet.

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