Emma Barkley
Lantern Staff
Hurricane Irma ripped away the Florida Keys on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 10. Before hitting the United States, Hurricane Irma struck many islands including Barbuda, Puerto Rico, Cuba among others.
Hurricane Irma is one of the most powerful hurricanes recorded in the Atlantic Ocean. The hurricane was around 400 miles wide and sustained winds over 185 MPH for more than 24 hours making it a Category 5 hurricane. Once the hurricane reached South Florida, it slowed down to 130 MPH, downgrading it to a Category 4 hurricane.
Orlando, Florida, was one city that did not get hit as bad. However, Hurricane Irma still did some damage such as losing power and knocking several trees down. The hurricane also made it difficult forWalt Disney World, causing it to shut down for only the fourth time in its history.
Before Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Harvey hit the southeast part of Texas. Hurricane Harvey had winds up to 130 MPH, making it a Category 4 hurricane. The hurricane made landfall on the evening of Friday, Aug. 25 near Rockport, Texas, which the hurricane dropped 45-52 inches of rainfall in Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana.
To help with the damages the Student Government Association (SGA) and the Grizzly Ambassadors of Butler have sent care packages to Texas to help with the families and people affected by the hurricane. The care packages contained inspirational cards, uplifting comments, travel-sized shampoos and soaps and little snack foods.
“With all that is going on, it is the least we could do,” Student Involvement and Hall Manager Andrea Miller said.
Freddy’s, a local El Dorado fast food restaurant, is accepting donations for the Red Cross and sending donations they receive to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Program.
The SGA and Grizzly Ambassadors are also in the process of making care packages for the families in Florida. There are also several organizations who are taking donations for the ones who were impacted by both of the hurricanes.
“For those who are wanting to help, just make sure that the organizations you’re giving to are reputable and are giving the most possible to those who need it,” Butler Alumna Alexandra McGovern said, who was in the direct path of Hurricane Irma.
