When each of us hears the word aftermath we may not truly understand the origination of its meaning or where it came from only that it does not mean something good.
Aftermath Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster
When I hear the word aftermath I immediately think of 9-11; a tsunami; an earthquake, however today it is the recent Hurricane named Helene.
Hurricane Helene’s destructive path left devastation and damage to the lives of many.
I know the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is overwhelmed by the amount of damage by Hurricane Helene.
The cover picture is from the Washington Post showing a picture of a Tesla that exploded when it took on salt water from Hurricane Helene. It sits in a parking lot in the Pass-A-Grille community of St. Pete Beach, Fla. on Saturday.
Photos of Hurricane Helene aftermath as the scope of damage emerges (msn.com)
Today, after seeing the storms pass, I thought about all the people caught in the aftermath affected by floodwaters after Hurricane Helene passed through them.
Knowing that Hurricane Helene hit close to home where I have family and friends, it was a weekend of prayer. Specifically, having lived in Augusta, GA for over 18 years before moving to Alabama. I found out many had been without electricity and water for over 48 hours.
“More than 220,000 Augustans are without power after Hurricane Helene barreled through the area Friday morning.
Hurricane Helene live blog: Power restoration date for Augusta area released (augustachronicle.com)
I still remember the devastation of the last major storm in Augusta in 2014; it’s amazing that ten years ago such a thing would happen again. Except this time, a different season that still affected schools and businesses closing with trees and power lines and roads impassable.
Today in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, it’s not ice, but wind and rain which was too much to handle.
Ice Storm of February 2014 – 100 Years, 100 Stories (100years100stories.com)
There is always a sense that it won’t happen to me until it does, and we feel the effects.
The word empathy came to my mind many times over the weekend, as I received various updates from friends and through the Church.
I was aware that the GA Knights of Columbus State Council donated a pallet of bottled water to distribute to those in need and knowing those in need appreciated the bottled water.
Although we were projected to receive 3.5 inches of rain, all weekend rain was on and off in my local area.
Notwithstanding hurricane season doesn’t officially end until the end of November, so you and I must always be prepared for the unexpected to happen.
When does hurricane season end? Tropical activity could continue past ‘end date’ (yahoo.com)
While I’m not keeping score; Hurricane Helene was the fourth hurricane to hit the Gulf Coast this year. With family on the Gulf Coast, there is no escaping the weather as I thought about the other three previous storms this year (Beryl, Debby, Francine).
Sometimes each of us must refocus our energy on what’s important.
As for me, I quickly realized that the company responsible for removing our overflowing recycled trash cans; still sitting on the curb out since Friday, September 20, 2024, is not important.
Especially when I hear about families having to throw away food from their refrigerators that has spoiled due to a lack of electricity; or those that have no running water or electricity.
There is no doubt that the aftermath of Hurricane Helene is being felt in various areas, not only in the Southeast.
If you have Cell Phone Service, Power, Water, and Electricity, and are Safe count your blessings. I know many who were without these and luckily had a car to charge their phones with enough gas in their autos.
On this Monday, I challenge you to check on those affected by the storm and let them know you care.
McKinley,
This is a very touching post. Living in The Bahamas, I understand very well the ravages of a devastating hurricane. I empathize with those affected by Hurricane Helene. I pray for mental stability, focus and courage for those persons who have lost so much. Watching the news and listening to friends and relatives in Florida and Georgia hearing about the rain, flooding and power outages etc. refreshed my memories of the category 5 Hurricane Dorian which devastated The Bahamas September 1st, 2019. We have had many hurricanes. It is scary. Yes the hurricane season will end at the end of November and we can only prepare but, hurricanes can be unpredictable and destructive. Assessments in the aftermath will give an idea of the magnitude of damages, cost and lives lost during the hurricane. Bottled water and hot-meals are definitely appreciated after a hurricane. Nevertheless, it is my hope that the people will be resilient and strong and the sense of community gives support to all and they rebuild their lives.
Lucretia
Lucretia,
What you wrote is also very touching with your comments to this post. I’m aware that living in the Bahamas, which is so close to the gulf the people of the Bahamas are always on high alert during hurricane seasons. The challenge as you wrote is “mental stability, focus, and courage for those persons who have lost so much.” I believe until someone has the opportunity to go through it they will never understand the magnitude or the memories of the category 5 Hurricane Dorian which devastated The Bahamas September 1st, 2019. Being resilient is not an easy task, but essential in times like these.
It’s going to take a community to get through these storms.
Thank you for adding value to today’s blog.
McKinley
McKinley,
It’s a pleasure to give support and kindness. I am humbled by this opportunity.
Lucretia
Lucretia,
Blessings!
McKinley