Hurricane Ian

Watching the development of hurricane Ian entering the Gulf of Mexico was stressful enough already. Besides, it was strengthening every few hours from Tropical Depression to Category 1, Category 2, Category 3 and finally Category 4. It was initially expected to affect Pan Handle area in Florida and 2 days prior to the landfall, it changed direction towards Tampa Bay area in the West coast of Florida. Just 24 hours before landfall, it changed direction again to go little bit south of Tampa Bay area and finally made a landfall at 155 miles per hour (just 2 miles below the speed of Category 5 hurricane) Ft. Myers-Sanibel Island area approximately 100 miles South of Tampa Bay area. It is so heart-breaking to see the destruction it created in its path particularly where it made landfall. It reminded us of the caution Sri Krishna was making about use of Brahma Asthra in the Mahabharatha war. Perhaps, those who learned the mantras of Brahma Asthra knew how to create a hurricane.

The storm surge reached 15 feet height and the storm water entered many houses washing everything on the first floor (Ground floor). The boats were thrown out and moved next to many houses. The cars parked inside the garage were destroyed by the storm water entering and moving the vehicle vehemently. The power supply is still not restored in many places even after a week. The people who lived in the path of hurricane Ian lost their houses and are currently living in shelters. They don’t have water, food, clothes, and other hygiene products.

Governor of Florida declared the state of emergency and mobilized all the state resources to be on high alert to rescue those who are marooned in the storm water. More than 100 people were killed by hurricane Ian based on the last count. More than 5,000 power restoration vehicles are running on the road to restore power wherever they could access the transformers. Another set of resources are restoring the roads by removing trees blocking the road as well as doing everything to restore the bridges that were washed away in the flash flood. It is so satisfying to see how quickly the federal (FEMA) and state government worked together to support those who need their resources. There are number of not-for-profit organizations that have jumped in to take care of day-to-day needs of those people by taking risk to travel to those places affected. Humanity raises to the occasions to wipe the tears of those in need despite such natural calamities caused by climate change which again is created by the humans. I wish someday, the scientist will find a way to channel the energy of hurricanes into invaluable energy source for the humanity.

But when those gloomy weather hit the surrounding areas before the hurricane speed winds started arriving, it is such a sight to watch the birds returning to the safe heavens and the stray animals securing themselves in a safe place. We also moved all the outdoor items indoor including the pot plants. We didn’t board the windows but cracked open the windows slightly to allow the wind to escape into the house after switching off the air-conditioner. Orion stayed awake all night listening to the sound of the wind arriving in batches watching the trees shaking their head showing the way the wind needs to move. There was not much of rain, but the sound of the wind was like a train traveling above our roof and it felt like we had built a house below a subway. Luckily, we didn’t lose power at all.

The linemen, firefighters and cops moving around in the highways to get to the places affected is remarkable to watch and it is such a pleasant thing to watch how they dedicate their lives to save those people affected by the hurricane. While they do everything possible to solve the problems in the hurricane-affected area, the wives of linemen, firefighters and cops have created a group to caution the bucket-bunnies from dating their husbands. Bucket-bunnies is the term used for women who work as assistants to the linemen trying to attract the linemen husbands. It is like reading two different forums in IL.

 

Thank you Hari Sir.

 

@Thyagarajan Sir,

Thank you for your response. Yes. We are all safe with no damages to the property. Orion is relieved that it is all over for him. He didn't know what was going on. He was scared of the sound of the wind coming into the house which he never heard before. Only once he experienced hurricane 5 years ago but it was during the day time. But that hurricane left a lot of debries in our yard which we had to clean ourselves.

 

@meeansankaran,

I am so happy to receive a response from you after a long time. 155 miles an hour wind was unbearable and it destroyed everything on its path. People are without water, food, hygiene products, dwelling units, cars and not even a clean toilet. It is so depressing to watch how people are hurting after this hurricane. Nearly half of the population who were affected by hurricane Ian didn't have flood insurance but had hurricane insurance and unfortunately, most of them are affected by surging water damage caused by hurricane. The insurance companies are refusing to allow repairs if it is due to water damage caused by flooding. It is difficult for common men and women to know the difference between flood insurance and home insurance (which covers hurricane damages).

I am so happy that the federal adn state governments are finally working together to give all the relief to the flood and hurricane affected areas. Still many congressmen and senators are objecting to giving special relief to Florida. I am so happy to see many not-for-profit organizations rushed to help the affected people. The supplies are pouring in privately from the citizens for now.