Impact and Management of Hurricane Sandy – GCSE Geography B Edexcel Revision

Impact

When?

October 2012

Where?

The Caribbean (hitting Jamaica, Cuba and Bermuda) and the USA (affecting 24 states)

Damage in the US estimated at over $63 billion
Vulnerable Coastline due to:
Coast from Delaware to Rhode Island is densely populated
Large areas of expensive coastal property very close to sea level
Many recreational and tourist resorts with beach front infrastructure such as hotels and amusement parks
Numerous barrier islands which are unstable, prone to storm surges and wave erosion, and hard to evacuate during rescue phase
Widespread disruption of transport and utilities in Jamaica.
Haiti badly affected by flooding and landslides.
20,000 airline flights cancelled over the period October 27th-November 1st, 8.6 million power outages. Nearly 600,000 businesses and homes were destroyed.
At least 286 people were killed either directly or indirectly by Sandy. There were 147 direct deaths: 72 in the USA and the rest mainly in Caribbean, including 54 in Haiti and 11 in Cuba.
In the USA of the 87 indirect deaths from Sandy, at least 50 were attributable to either falls by the elderly, carbon monoxide poisoning from inadequately ventilated generators and cooking equipment, or hypothermia as a cold snap followed Sandy and extended power outages left people without heating.

Preparations

October 22nd issued a tropical storm watch
October 23rd upgraded to a Tropical storm warning
Many residents stocked up on supplies and reinforced roofing material
People were urged to take care of their neighbours, especially the elderly, children and disabled
Schools, government buildings and the airport in Kingston shut down
Early curfews were put in place to protect residents, properties and to prevent crime

East Coast attempted to head off long-term power failures by being prepared to repair storm damage and employees working longer hours
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) monitored Sandy
Flight cancellations put in place
National Guard and U.S Air Force put as many as 45,000 personnel in at least seven states on alert for possible duty in response to the preparations and aftermath of Sandy
Florida - Closure and cancellations of activities in schools
Carolinas - Tropical storm watch was issued. National park service closed at least 5 sections
Washington, D.C - October 26th declared state of emergency. Metro service, both rail and bus was cancelled on October 29ths due to expected high winds
Maryland - State of emergency announced October 26th, Residents were evacuated with the assistance of the Maryland Natural Resources Police, 2 shelters were opened. Maryland Transit Administration cancelled all services for October 29th and 30th.