Hurricane+Ike

Name Of Disaster : HURRICANE IKE

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Hurricane Ike was the most expensive hurrciane to impact Cuba, the third most expensive to hit the United states, and the most exoensive hurricane in Texas history. 195 fatalities and numerous injuries were causde by the product of Ike's massive winds and storm surges. The total costs in damgaes to the United States alone was approx. 24.9 billion dollars. More than 10,000 workers were left unemployed due to the loss of businesses, and over 4,000 cows/cattle were killed. Due to the upheaval of certain sediments and the amount of debris carried in by the storm itself, the oyster reefs in Texas and Louisiana were destroyed, greatly impacting the $100 million dollar industry. Ike damaged the pipelines located in the Gulf of Mexico, and dstroyed 10 gulf shore oil rigs. These were all shut down, as well as the 22 Texas-based oil refineries, substantially effecting all of the United States due to the fact that a quarter of the U.S. crude oil and refinery production occurs in Texas. Gas prices maxed out at $5 in areas heavily effected. The total cost of the devastation of businesses, homes, Oil production, etc., was over a trillion dollars.
 * Effects on People/ Animals + The Aftermath:**

Having lived in Houston during the time in which Ike hit, I was able to see first hand the devastation caused by the hurricane. Though I lived about an hour and a half away from the shoreline, my own neighborhood was impacted by the storm, such as fallen powerlines, roofs ripped off of houses, uprooted trees, flooded streets, etc. The grid that my home lied on was out of power for 8 days. Having to evacuate and return home not knowing whether or not your house would be in a liveable condition was an eye opening experience. I feel that a a culture we prepare more for human induced disasters, but the impacts of natural disasters can most times be far worse. Although seeing the devastation was very upsetting, the observation of how communities came together and worked to help out neighbors, or even strangers was life changing. Food, generators, clothing, blankets, anything that could be provided, anyone and everyone tried to help out. The kindenss shown and the sens of community that the whole state created was beautiful. Though the impacts of the storm were hard to witness, and extremely expensive, the impacts on the people affected by it are priceless.
 * Personal Reflection:**

5 Questions: 1. What state/city experienced the greatest amount of devastation from the storm? 2. How large did the hurricane span? 3.What was the number of cattle left "uncontained" after the hurricane hit? 4. What was the cost to restore the shoreline estimated to be? 5. How big was Ike's storm surge?