Hurricane Helene struck the Eastern Region in early October and, while causing significant damage and affecting many lives, residents here in Southern Illinois came together to show their support, while also voicing their thoughts and opinions on this natural disaster.
Hurricane Helene has flooded the media, news channels, and social media, which spread the word about victims in need.
“I saw videos on TikTok about how massive this hurricane was going to be. I was scared for the people that lived there,” said Ava Tolley, ‘26.
Helene caused major damage to those who were hit by it, but Southern Illinois residents saved the day by participating in relief services for the victims.
Mrs. Marilyn Kujawa, a member at St. Barabara’s Catholic Church Sodality, said, ”Sodality members boxed up several boxes for a local disaster relief organization to send down to Florida.”
While communities and churches sent items for victims, so did clubs at MV. FFA at MV collected items, such as feed, for farmers who were affected by the hurricane”
Ava Tolley, who serves as FFA Reporter, talked about the FFA event. “We all collected items for farmers who were affected by the hurricane. The hurricane washed out fields and ruined equipment and supplies.”
Several devastating hurricanes have occurred over the years. Some people believe that this was one of the worst hurricanes, while some people think otherwise.
“For a specific area of North Carolina, the devastation seems to be the worst I have seen in my life. Friends with the power companies I have talked to that worked out there said it could be years before roads can be rebuilt and things are put back to the way they were before. Having said that, I believe Hurricane Katrina was worse overall in terms of destruction, lives lost and lives affected,” says Mr. Chris McCann, MV Science.
Hurricanes happen very frequently from the end of summer to fall. This is a factor that plays into the decision-making when deciding to live in the Eastern Region.
Mrs. Kujawa added “I would move from the area if I lived there. It would be hard to live there knowing my home would always be in danger.”
Even though students and staff live in Southern Illinois, many know people who were hit by the hurricane. Many have friends and family who were in the destruction path of the hurricane.
“I have family and friends that were hit by the hurricane. Luckily, they did not have as much damage as other people. We checked on them regularly for updates,“ commented Isabella Standford.
Seeing the victims and the situations they were in affected some greatly. It affected many people and gave them a new way of thinking.
“The images and stories of all of those who have lost loved ones, and everything that they own, can’t help but make one remember what is really important in life and how fragile living a “normal life” can be. I am reminded how it is important to stay informed and prepared, not only for your own sake, but so that you can be in a position to help others. Finally, its encouraging to see how strangers, how fellow Americans, will come together and sacrifice for one another. It inspires and motivates me to do more,” claimed Mr. McCann.
Others did not have many thoughts or feelings about the hurricane. It did not have as much effect on some as it did on others.
“The hurricane did not affect me. I did not know anyone personally who was a victim. Of course, I feel bad for those who were, but it did not have an impact on me,” explained Tolley.
The hurricane was a major disaster for all of us. Hurricane Helene struck the Eastern Region in early October. Residents here in Southern Illinois show their sympathy towards victims.
