2008 Woodie Awards
Hurricane Wilma Cleanup Begins
Restoration efforts begin and supplies are brought in after Hurricane Wilma.
Kim Lyon
Issue date: 11/4/05 Section: News
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Hurricane Wilma, the most intense Atlantic storm on record, pounded South Florida and did a whirlwind of damage to Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. It was the 21st tropical storm and 12th hurricane for the season with a death toll of 38 and still growing.
With gusts up to 115mph, Wilma caused immense structural damage and knocked out power for more than 6 million people in South Florida. Florida Power & Light claim that it may be Thanksgiving week before power is fully restored. The company has deployed more than 11,000 workers to assist in the restoration, but until then, residents continue to cook on charcoal grills and buy groceries everyday to avoid spoiling. The total cost of the damage is estimated to be between $4 billion and $8 billion, with more than a billion of which likely to be seen in the agricultural sector.
After complaints about the federal relief effort, the president officially declared Florida as a major disaster area and federal funds were released to complement the recovery efforts of local and state authorities.
The American Red Cross is also showing great support to the victims of Hurricane Wilma even though they are spread thin along the Gulf Coast, still helping communities that suffered the wraths of Katrina and Rita. "This year's hurricane season has presented unprecedented challenges for the Red Cross," said Pat McCrummen, spokesperson for the organization. "It's been a long and busy hurricane season, but our staff and volunteers continue to rise to the challenge daily."
In Brevard County, dozens of boats were torn from their docks and smashed against rocks. Many people were displaced from their homes in the flood-prone county and have been staying in shelters with the few possessions they arrived with. Residents waited anxiously as the federal government did its assessment on the damage which ultimately led to an allocation of funds from FEMA.
People continue to drive north in search of supplies which run short in the southern parts of Florida. Stores such as Home Depot have been suggesting to shoppers to go as far north as Gainesville or even Georgia for supplies.
With gusts up to 115mph, Wilma caused immense structural damage and knocked out power for more than 6 million people in South Florida. Florida Power & Light claim that it may be Thanksgiving week before power is fully restored. The company has deployed more than 11,000 workers to assist in the restoration, but until then, residents continue to cook on charcoal grills and buy groceries everyday to avoid spoiling. The total cost of the damage is estimated to be between $4 billion and $8 billion, with more than a billion of which likely to be seen in the agricultural sector.
After complaints about the federal relief effort, the president officially declared Florida as a major disaster area and federal funds were released to complement the recovery efforts of local and state authorities.
The American Red Cross is also showing great support to the victims of Hurricane Wilma even though they are spread thin along the Gulf Coast, still helping communities that suffered the wraths of Katrina and Rita. "This year's hurricane season has presented unprecedented challenges for the Red Cross," said Pat McCrummen, spokesperson for the organization. "It's been a long and busy hurricane season, but our staff and volunteers continue to rise to the challenge daily."
In Brevard County, dozens of boats were torn from their docks and smashed against rocks. Many people were displaced from their homes in the flood-prone county and have been staying in shelters with the few possessions they arrived with. Residents waited anxiously as the federal government did its assessment on the damage which ultimately led to an allocation of funds from FEMA.
People continue to drive north in search of supplies which run short in the southern parts of Florida. Stores such as Home Depot have been suggesting to shoppers to go as far north as Gainesville or even Georgia for supplies.