The Houston Chronicle
this weekend featured an article depicting the dangers of a Category 4 storm in
the Houston-Galveston area. Experts predict such a storm could cause $374
billion in damages in Harris County. These damages only include those caused by
wind—flooding is another issue. If a hurricane were to strike the Galveston
Coast directly, its wind damage could affect neighboring counties for miles.
With hurricane season just around the corner it’s important
to be aware of the possible dangers associated with them. In September 2008,
Hurricane Ike smashed into the Gulf Coast, killing 20 people and causing $25
billion in damages. This hurricane initiated the largest search-and-rescue in
United States history, as well as increased awareness for these unavoidable
natural disasters.
In Lessons from
Hurricane Ike (Texas A&M University Press, 2012) edited by Philip
Bedient, the damages to the Houston-Galveston area are examined further.
Bedient, a Herman Brown Professor of Engineering at Rice University, directs
the research team at the Severe Storm Prediction, Education and Evacuation from
Disasters (SSPEED) Center. Incorporating SSPEED’s research with colorful maps
and vivid photos, Bedient presents a straight-forward read on predicting and
preparing for hurricanes.
“Ike revealed just how vulnerable the Houston-Galveston
region is to a major storm, but Ike also helped us visualize the ‘worst-case’
storm scenario from our region,” said Bedient. “The main lesson from Ike is
that we can avoid catastrophic damage from future storms if we choose to act.”
Although the last direct hit to Galveston was in 1915, it
doesn’t mean it’s safe from further hurricane damage. Precautions are necessary
for the upcoming summer of hurricane season. According to Bedient, if Hurricane
Ike had hit 50 miles down the Texas Coast, damages would have quadrupled.
Lessons from Hurricane
Ike shows that in the past decade there has been both increased hurricane
activity and a higher incidence of powerful storms. Bedient gives a history of
hurricanes affecting the Gulf Coast and methods for predicting and preparing
for them. There is no telling what size storm will hit the Gulf Coast this
summer; being informed and aware is necessary.
No comments:
Post a Comment