What Happened During Hurricane Irma: The Facts You Need to Know
Hurricane Irma was a catastrophic hurricane that made landfall in Florida in September 2017. The storm caused widespread damage and flooding, leaving many people without power, water, or shelter. Here are some facts you need to know about what happened during Hurricane Irma.
The Basics
Hurricane Irma was a Category 5 hurricane that formed near Cape Verde, an island off the coast of Africa. The storm rapidly intensified, reaching winds of up to 185 mph (298 km/h) at one point. It hit several Caribbean islands, including Barbuda, Saint Martin, and the British Virgin Islands, before making landfall in Florida.
The Impacts
The storm caused widespread damage and flooding in Florida, with some areas seeing up to 15 feet of storm surge. The Florida Keys were particularly hard hit, with many homes destroyed and roads washed away. Over 6 million people lost power in Florida and over 100,000 people were in shelters at the height of the storm.
Saint Martin was also severely impacted by the storm, with nearly 95% of all buildings damaged or destroyed. The island was left without power, water, or communications for several days.
The Response
Thousands of emergency responders were deployed during and after Hurricane Irma, including firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and National Guard troops. The U.S. government also sent aid to affected areas, including bottled water, MREs, and other supplies.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) set up dozens of mobile disaster recovery centers in affected areas, where people could get help with things like filing insurance claims and applying for disaster assistance.
Conclusion
Hurricane Irma was one of the most powerful hurricanes in recent history, causing widespread devastation in Florida and several Caribbean islands. Emergency responders and aid organizations worked tirelessly to provide assistance to those affected by the storm. Despite the devastation, the response to the storm showed the resilience and strength of communities impacted by Hurricane Irma.
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