As we know from the frequent examples we have seen, not only locally, but also nationally and internationally, there is very little that compares to extreme weather when it comes to the devastating impact it brings. It destroys homes and communities and threatens the lives of everyone in its path, bringing nothing but tragic results. Unfortunately, the western part of the world is set to experience two hurricanes in the span of a couple of weeks.
Hurricane Fiona is the first major hurricane of the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season. It formed on Sept. 14 from a tropical wave emerging from West Africa. On Sept. 16, it grew stronger, developing into a hurricane while approaching Puerto Rico. It has touched down and affected areas in the Caribbean and in Eastern Canada. Based on atmospheric pressure, it has proven to have been the most intense cyclone to have impacted Canada on record. Meanwhile, it gave Puerto Rico its worst flooding since Hurricane Maria in 2017, and it has left significant portions of the populations affected without water. According to Reuters, as of Monday night Sept. 26, the hurricane has resulted in the deaths of 15 people, the displacement of approximately 12,500 people, while destroying 20 buildings and reaching wind speeds of 130 miles per hour.
To make matters worse, Hurricane Ian is set to strike the United States this week, and it is expected that it will reach the status of a major hurricane before touching down, with winds reaching or exceeding 111 miles per hour. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a State of Emergency for the entire state and evacuation orders have been issued for the Tampa Bay area, which has not seen a major storm like Hurricane Ian in over a century. Thousands have already been evacuated from their homes in western Cuba, while it is also expected to strike Jamaica, in addition to Cuba.
With these developments, it is important that we all come together during this time to rally around those affected. There are many resources available that allow us to do just that, as hurricane relief efforts will be wide-ranging and, hopefully, effective at helping to restore the communities that are facing devastation and tragedy at this moment. We at The Threefold Advocate would like to issue a call to action to our readers to rise to the occasion and keep those affected by Hurricane Fiona and Hurricane Ian in your thoughts and prayers, and support those in need, if at all possible.
At John Brown University, we often talk of the power of community and how it unites us as brothers and sisters in Christ. Ultimately, there is no denying the power of community. Now, it is a power that millions especially need to feel as they look to rebuild from what has happened and what is to come.
Photo courtesy of John Middelkoop at Unsplash