Hurricanes are supposed to be one of the disasters that you can have time to prepare for. Initially considered a tropical depression, Harvey wasn’t a storm to be too concerned about. However, in under twenty-four hours, he became a category 4 hurricane giving Houston little time to plan. No mandatory evacuation orders were issued for Houston, and flooding was catastrophic, causing many people to battle the rising waters. There was a record-breaking 50+ inches of rain in Houston.
Gif courtesy of Star Tribune
Once the hurricane/tropical storm made its way onto land, it hovered over the state, dumping buckets of never-ending rain over the city. Experts said that “warm water in the Gulf of Mexico intensified the rainfall, and a lack of winds in the upper atmosphere could have steered Harvey away from land” (Friedman & Schwartz, 2017). There was nothing in the atmosphere that was able to stop the storm from touching down, so the rain lingered, causing possibly the worst flooding event in United States history. It finally returned to the gulf, but the tropical storm is coming back for round two.
So far, more than 40 people have died. There have been thousands of rescues, both by emergency dispatchers, private citizens, and the Coast Guard. Here are some ways that you can help those affected by this destructive storm because every little bit helps.
1. American Red Cross
You can donate here. Some business or celebrities will also match your donations. To make it easier, you can also text “HARVEY” to 90999. The money comes straight out of your phone bill but is also tax-deductible.
2. Salvation Army
You can also donate via your phone to the Salvation Army. Text “STORM” to 51555. You can also donate on their website.
3. Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund
Houston’s mayor is attempting to help victims of this storm, and you can donate to his organization here.
4. United Way of Greater Houston
This organization can help with short-term and long-term relief, and you can donate here by either going to their website or by texting “UWFLOOD” to 41444.
5. Houston Humane Society and San Antonio Humane Society
Pets are also affected by this storm, and you can help by donating to either of these shelters. There is more information on how to donate on their website.
This is a time where we all need to put aside our differences and band together to help those in need.
HC,
Alyssa Harmon
Resources:
http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2017/08/29/how-to-donate-to-hurricane-harvey…
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/28/climate/how-hurricane-harvey-became-s…
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/aug/31/houston-hurricane-storm-harvey-recovery-donald-trump