Hurricane

Hurricane season approaches like a dreaded summer vacation: unavoidable, unwelcome, and destined to wreak havoc. But unlike family road trips, hurricanes are best spent indoors - unless you're a thrill-seeking surfer or insurance adjuster.
Memories of Hurricane Sandy, which devastated the Northeast in 2012, still haunt me. I was a young reporter at the time, assigned to cover the aftermath in New Jersey. I remember the surreal sight of entire neighborhoods submerged underwater, the eerie silence of abandoned streets, and the heartbreak etched on the faces of those who lost everything.
Sandy was a powerful reminder of the fragility of our lives and the capriciousness of nature. It also exposed the deep inequalities in our society, as the poorest and most vulnerable communities bore the brunt of the storm's impact.
In the years since Sandy, we have witnessed an alarming increase in the frequency and intensity of hurricanes. From Irma to Maria to Florence, these storms have left a trail of destruction that has claimed lives, shattered communities, and strained our collective resources.
As we face another hurricane season, it's crucial that we heed the lessons learned from the past. We need to invest in stronger infrastructure, implement robust evacuation plans, and support the most vulnerable among us. We also need to confront the climate crisis head-on, as rising sea levels and warmer ocean temperatures are contributing to the increased severity of hurricanes.
But beyond the practical steps we take, it's equally important that we cultivate a sense of community and resilience. When disaster strikes, it's our neighbors who often come to our aid. It's the local volunteers who distribute food and water, the first responders who risk their lives to save others, and the community organizations that provide shelter and support.
In the face of a hurricane, it's easy to feel helpless and overwhelmed. But by working together, by checking in on our neighbors, and by supporting those who have been affected, we can weather any storm.
As the saying goes, "A hurricane doesn't care if you're rich or poor, black or white, young or old. It will destroy everything in its path." But we, as a society, can choose to care. We can choose to rebuild stronger and more just communities. We can choose to be a beacon of hope in the darkest of times.