As mentioned in my last post, 2017 was a year filled with discussion and change within the nation. One major event that occurred in 2017 was Hurricane Harvey and its destruction in Houston. It was an event that brought the nation together to help those affected by the terrible storm.
Hurricane Harvey landed in Texas on August 25 as a category 4 storm. The storm caused 180 billion dollars in damage, which is more than any other natural disaster in the US (besides Hurricane Katrnia). Over 13 billion people were affected by Harvey, leaving many without a home. Harvey definitely put people’s lives on hold with not only homes being damaged but also schools and work buildings.
WorldVision.Org wrote that “The storm dumped more than 27 trillion gallons of rain over Texas, making Harvey the wettest Atlantic hurricane ever measured. Some parts of Houston received more than 50 inches of rainfall — so much that the National Weather Service had to update the colors it uses on its weather charts to properly account for it.” It is crazy to think about all these facts and see how much Texas, especially Houston, has bounced back from this tragedy.
People from not only Houston, but all over the world, gave support and love to those affected. Shelters and treatment centers opened all over Texas to help those needing a place to stay, or those needing health care. So many people around the country donated or transported supplies and money to the victims of Hurricane Harvey. World Vision “delivered 44 truckloads of supplies to partners in Houston, Corpus Christi, and Lake Charles — enough to help up to 110,000 people.” World Vision is just one of many organizations/groups that took the time to help those affected.
Because I attend The University of Texas, I was able to see the damage that took place in the Houston area. But as much damage that was done, it was amazing to me to see how much people actually cared about the destruction in Houston. Complete strangers, with totally different lives, but still so many people did everything they could to help those in Houston. It could have been something as little as donating supplies, or even bigger by driving to Houston to help those with their destroyed homes. The people of Austin, and many others around the world, did not even think twice about helping those in need after Hurricane Harvey. Numerous celebrities and businesses across the country donated millions of dollars to the relief. This hurricane is just one example of a disaster that occurred in 2017 that brought Americans together to support others; showing that Americans really are compassionate and giving. Since Harvey, Houston has tremendously bounced back. Homes and schools have been restored, while the Houston Astros won the World Series bringing everyone together with something to cheer about.
2017 was a year of not only discussion and change, but also of strength and compassion. And 2018 will be nothing less.
Happy New Year!
