In the 1987 classic, R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe sings “It’s the end of the world as we know it. . . and I feel fine.” For those of us who follow national news, it’s been feeling a lot like the end of the world lately.
In addition to the constant political turmoil, growing racial conflict, global famines, refugee crises, and relentless gun violence, the last few months have brought massive and repeated hurricanes and earthquakes, –and we’re feeling. . .fine? Maybe?
If the onslaught of bad news hasn’t completely paralyzed us, processing this level of tragedy is a complicated thing. Do we listen to CNN on a loop and push ourselves into a permanent state of anxiety. Or do we run for cover, embrace life in “the bubble,” and tune it all out? Navigating the middle road means informing ourselves, responding appropriately, and managing our own emotions.
Just like eating the proverbial elephant, we need to tackle this beast one bite at a time. Given that we can’t do everything, it’s best that we just do something. So below we’ll try to give you some options for responding in the wake of the many natural disasters. Let’s get to it.
What’s Going On?
Puerto Rico:
The events of the past two weeks have brought chaos and turmoil as the home of our fellow United States citizens was recently devastated by Hurricane Maria. Two weeks after the hurricane struck, the country of 3.5 million people is facing overwhelming difficulties. The lack of supplies is one of the most prevalent and widespread issues. Many locations are without any food, water, or power. Although the capital of San Juan has a large amount of resources, the real problem is distributing the supplies to other regions. Some cities in rural areas have still not been reached by supply trucks and the people are struggling to survive.
Widespread frustration has arisen over the administration’s response to the Puerto Rico situation. The Mayor of San Juan voiced her desperation by declaring, “I am begging. Begging anyone that can hear us… to save us from dying. If anybody out there is listening to us, we are dying. And you are killing us with the inefficiency.”
Hurricane Harvey
Sliding itself between Central America and Cuba, Hurricane Harvey landed roughly in the Gulf of Mexico with winds up to 140 miles per hour. While the winds received the majority of the publicity as the storm came in, the flooding proved to be deadly for southeast Texas and southern Louisiana. The category 4 storm produced up to 40 inches of rain in some parts of Texas and put the greater portion of Houston out of power.
The storm ruined the lives of thousands of people, yet the effects of the hurricane are reaching almost everyone in the US. Oil refineries all along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico were damaged leaving the US in a unforeseen oil shortage, meaning higher gas prices across the nation.
Hurricane Irma
Hurricane Irma crashed into parts of the northeastern Caribbean and the Florida Keys as a category 5 hurricane, causing widespread panic and chaos. A storm of this caliber is the strongest possible hurricane, with winds up to 157 mph and a height of eighteen feet or higher. The tragedy and damage left in the wake of Irma has rocked many lives, schools, homes, businesses, and towns to their absolute core.
Prior to the storm, many countries in the Caribbean–like the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, and Antigua and Barbuda–had prepared for the storm; however, no one could fully prepare for what followed. High waves, landslides, flooding, gas shortages, and power outages wreaked havoc among the many victims that had been affected by the storm. In Florida, the Keys have been completely torn apart, causing historic destruction from which it will take months to completely recover.
Mexican Earthquakes
Within the past several weeks, Mexico has experienced two of its most devastating earthquakes. The September 8th earthquake, which struck closest to the states of Chiapas and Oaxaca, was measured as an 8.1 on the Richter scale. Felt by individuals across Mexico, it has been classified as the country’s most powerful earthquake in 30 years. With the severe damage of infrastructure and homes, mass power outages, and a reported death toll of about 100, this earthquake caused unfathomable destruction.
However, the September 8th earthquake only acted as a precursor to the temblor which hit near Puebla State on September 19th. The 7.1 magnitude earthquake caused over 200 deaths, and many tirelessly searched for survivors trapped under debris. This additional natural disaster only worsened Mexico’s power outages, leaving some areas in darkness.
WHAT CAN WE DO?
So the world may or may not be nearing an apocalypse. Either way, now is not the time to watch idly and wait for the universe to fix itself. It won’t. In fact, now, more than ever, we have to get off the couch and help. So pause your Netflix, and get ready to help. It can be as easy as sending a text.
- Cash donations. According to the Center for International Disaster Information, monetary donations are almost always the best way to help. Not only is a cash contribution quickest, it’s also most effective, allowing relief organizations to purchase exactly what is needed. Text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10. This Vox article also has a great compilation of charities accepting relief funds.
Fundraise. If you want to magnify your impact, find a company that will match your donation. Ask your parents if their company is one of them.
- Key Club, the Young Democrats Club, and Spanish Club are partnering to raise relief funds for victims in Puerto Rico soon. Contact Mrs. Rodriguez if you’re interested in helping, and come offer your support!
- DO NOT donate supplies. Contrary to popular belief, sending supplies might actually be one of the least helpful ways to help after a disaster. According to NPR, food, blankets, clothing, etc., oftentimes end up unused and far from the hands of those who need such supplies. Shipping and storage fees, whether across the nation or across borders, often further complicates things. In short, stick to the monetary donation. Even a small contribution can make a big impact.
- Become an eco-warrior. Climate change is bringing wetter and wilder hurricanes. Taking care of the earth under your feet can protect your neighbors all across the globe, so join Mr. Sica and the environmental club
WHAT ABOUT US?
This may seem like a ridiculous question given the relative suffering of others, but it is important that we consider how we are faring emotionally. We’re no help to anyone if we’re emotionally fried, so don’t feed your anxiety by binging on news, and realize that taking action is often the quickest way to feel better, if not “fine.” Cue music: “It’s the end of the world as we know it…”
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