One hundred and thirty seven deaths, 27,000 homes damaged and nearly $6 billion dollars spent on recovery. These numbers quantify the disaster wrecked on various North American countries since Hurricane Ian hit on Sept. 28. The hurricane had a 12- to 18-foot storm surge and was a large category four hurricane that ranked as the most destructive hurricane in Florida in 87 years according to AccuWeather, a commercial weather forecasting service. It was also difficult to predict, due to its wavering paths in the days leading up to its landfall. Upper school teachers, Karen Sanchez and Jackie Girard, were some of the people affected by this crisis. 

Though Sanchez does not have personal property in Florida, her parents live in Labelle, Florida. Sanchez’s parents decided to stay in their hometown because they did not anticipate the hurricane hitting where it did, and when they found out, it was too late to leave. 

“I was worried about their safety because they decided to stay,” Sanchez said. 

Even though their town is not on the coast, they still experienced 150 mph winds and severe rainfall all throughout the week. Despite the inopportune circumstances, their house only lost power for four days and no major damage was done. 

Girard has a house on Estero island, one of the islands on the southwestern coast of Florida. The island was flattened with many houses either floating away or getting washed out, according to Girard. Due to her previous renovations, her home was safeguarded to protect against hurricanes but no other buildings survived the hurricane. 

“The storm surge took everything,” Girard said. “The whole northern part of the island was decimated.” 

As Girard, Sanchez and other families attempt to rebuild their homes and their communities, those who wish to help may donate through the link below. By giving to The Red Cross, donors can help the 2.5 million displaced Floridians get basic necessities and get back on their feet. 

https://www.redcross.org/donate/hurricane-ian-donations.html/