Beginning in August and pushing into early September, Hurricane Dorian, a category 5 hurricane, struck the Bahamas, east coast US states, and many other states along the way. It left a whopping 53 people dead along with many injured.  

The Bahamas was the one place impacted the most and the death tolls are still rising; bodies are still being found even a week after. The death toll is still expected to rise because of all the injuries and suffering in the present. Most deaths have been recorded in the Abaco Islands. Power outages were on the rise during and after the hurricane. 2,500 people have been reported missing.  Many were found under woodpiles and steel poles. Most homes in North Carolina resulted in a bunch of damage. With 30 people being killed there. In Canada, people already had a loss of power due to the damaging wind and rain. 

Studies have shown that climate change has a huge impact on hurricanes and their high categories. Julia Lindaeu, senior, stated, “Because we are putting so much fossil fuels into the air, the ocean is taking in more Co2 and releases oxygen, mostly with algae and plants. Due to the intake of Co2, the water is warming which is what causes hurricanes. Due to the abnormal warmth, the hurricanes are worsening.”

Many students tend to lean towards climate change as to why hurricanes have been so intense and dangerous as of late. “Due to climate change, it has impacted our Earth greatly and is causing monstrous things to happen. I feel as if we need to take action as soon as possible before it is too late. I think it is very important to teach this to the youth so we can all find a way to prevent these things from happening in the future.” sophomore, Janis McConnell said. 

Many people are struggling with money due to their homes being wrecked. People who were not impacted are sending care packages to the victims of the natural disaster, such as deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toiletries, and more.  For donations and more information dial 2-1-1 or donate to Red Cross. Hurricane season usually runs through the summer and into the fall. Make sure to keep an eye out for storms forming during these seasons and see what you can do in your community to help the people affected.