By Jahfreen Alam | Writer
November 10, 2015
On October 23rd, Hurricane Patricia shattered records by becoming the strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Western Hemisphere, originating as a normal tropical storm before mutating into a Category 5 hurricane in a span of merely 24 hours. With extreme 200-mph winds, the powerful storm was headed toward Mexico’s southwestern coast, but did not do as much damage as expected.
The storm landed near the town of Cuixmala and passed through lightly populated areas as it made its way inland through mostly rural areas. After another 24 hours, it had reduced itself to a tropical storm once again because of the mountainous terrain. However, if the storm had hit more populated towns further north such as Puerto Vallarta or Manzanillo, the effects would have been much deadlier.
Nonetheless, the hurricane devastated local banana crops, with damages amounting to millions of dollars. It destroyed at least 3,000 homes by tearing off roofs or flooding people out, and left more than 250,00 people without power. Also, the storm killed six people. The high winds caused trees to topple down and crush two women, and four other people died in an automobile accident. These are the only deaths reported thus far, and more casualties may come to light.
Thankfully, Mexico had taken serious precautions to the threat in order to prevent as many deaths as possible. Mexico had developed a nationwide emergency response system in the wake of the 1985 earthquake striking Mexico City, so the country was not ill-prepared. Due to an effective response and planning, evacuation efforts saved lives and prevented a catastrophic outcome.
However, those living in the areas affected by the storm continue to rebuild not only their homes, but their lives. Muddy streets continue to be cleaned after severe flooding, families scavenge through damaged belongings, and the people attempt to revert their land back to what it was before the storm.
To offer relief, the following charities are accepting donations to those struck by disaster: The Red Cross, Cruz Roja, The Salvation Army, and Save the Children.
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