Hurricane Sandy, also known as “Superstorm Sandy,” was one of the most destructive hurricanes in recent history. It made landfall on October 29, 2012, devastating parts of the Caribbean, the U.S. East Coast, and Canada. Here are some essential facts about this massive storm:
Storm’s Impact:
Sandy affected 24 states, including the entire eastern seaboard, from Florida to Maine. It left over 8 million people without power and caused severe flooding in major cities like New York and New Jersey. With winds of 80 mph and a massive storm surge, it flooded subways, streets, and homes, leading to $70 billion in damages.
Human Cost:
The storm resulted in at least 233 deaths across eight countries, with the United States recording 157 of these fatalities. Many victims drowned due to the storm surge, while others perished due to hypothermia, accidents, or power outages.
Economic and Environmental Damage:
Sandy’s impact on infrastructure was catastrophic. Buildings, roads, and bridges were heavily damaged, and transportation came to a halt. New York City’s subway system took weeks to recover, and beaches along the Atlantic coast saw severe erosion. The storm also disrupted oil refineries, leading to fuel shortages.
Response and Recovery:
The U.S. government declared states of emergency across multiple states, providing relief funds and emergency shelters. In the years following Sandy, billions were invested in rebuilding, with a focus on creating more resilient infrastructure to protect against future storms.
Hurricane Sandy serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of disaster preparednes
s and response.
Leave a Reply