The Deadliest Hurricanes Then And Now: A Harrowing Journey into the Abyss

Hurricanes, the colossal forces of nature, have wreaked havoc upon our planet throughout history. From the annals of yore, tales of catastrophic hurricanes have been etched into the collective memory of humanity. In recent times, these storms have grown even more ferocious, leaving behind trails of destruction that defy comprehension.

The Deadliest Hurricanes Then and Now (The Deadliest #2, Scholastic Focus)

by Deborah Hopkinson

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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In this compelling article, we embark on a journey to uncover the deadliest hurricanes that have ever graced—or rather, ravaged—our world. We will delve into their origins, track their paths of destruction, and explore the scientific factors that contribute to their devastating power.

The Deadliest Hurricanes of the Past

Long before the advent of modern technology, hurricanes wreaked havoc upon coastal communities, their fury often leaving an enduring mark on history.

• The Great Galveston Hurricane of 1900: This catastrophic hurricane made landfall on the island city of Galveston, Texas, on September 8, 1900. With winds exceeding 145 mph and a storm surge that reached heights of 15 feet, the hurricane utterly devastated the city. It claimed the lives of an estimated 8,000 to 12,000 people, making it the deadliest hurricane in U.S. history.

• The Okeechobee Hurricane of 1928: This Category 4 hurricane struck South Florida on September 16, 1928. The storm's powerful winds and torrential rains caused widespread flooding, particularly around Lake Okeechobee. The official death toll stands at 2,500, but some estimates suggest that the true number may be closer to 4,000.

• The Great Bhola Cyclone of 1970: This Category 5 cyclone devastated the Ganges Delta in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) on November 12, 1970. With winds exceeding 150 mph and a massive storm surge, the cyclone caused widespread devastation, leaving an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 people dead.

The Deadliest Hurricanes of Recent Times

In recent decades, hurricanes have grown even more powerful and destructive, posing an unprecedented threat to coastal populations.

• Hurricane Katrina of 2005: This Category 5 hurricane made landfall in Louisiana on August 29, 2005. With winds exceeding 175 mph and a storm surge that reached heights of 28 feet, Hurricane Katrina caused catastrophic flooding and destruction throughout the Gulf Coast. The official death toll is estimated at 1,833, but the true number may be higher.

• Hurricane Maria of 2017: This Category 5 hurricane struck Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017. With winds exceeding 155 mph and torrential rains, Hurricane Maria caused widespread devastation, leaving the island without power for months. The official death toll stands at 2,975, making it the deadliest hurricane in Puerto Rican history.

• Hurricane Dorian of 2019: This Category 5 hurricane ravaged the Bahamas on September 1, 2019. With winds

The Deadliest Hurricanes Then and Now (The Deadliest #2, Scholastic Focus)

by Deborah Hopkinson

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	48035 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	152 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE