Hurricane Sandy (2012)

Location 

Caribbean → US East Coast; major impacts in New York and New Jersey. 

Causes 

• Category 3 hurricane; warm Atlantic waters. 

• Unusual track combined with cold front increased storm surge. 

Social primary effects

• 233 deaths. 

• 8 million without power. 

Economic primary effecrs

• $70 billion in damage. 

• NYC subway flooded. 

Environmental primary effects

Coastal erosion; flooding of wetlands. 

Social secondary effects

• Longterm displacement. 

• School closures. 

Economic secondary impacts

• Business interruption; insurance losses. 

• Damage to ports and airports. 

Environmental secondary impacts

• Sewage overflow contaminated water. 

• Debris pollution. 

LongTerm Impacts 

• Increased investment in coastal protection. 

• Recognition of climaterelated storm risk. 

Short Term Responses 

• Evacuations; FEMA emergency aid. 

• National Guard deployed

• Temporary shelters. 

Effectiveness of short term responses

Generally effective, but some communities received aid slowly. 

Long Term Responses 

• Rebuilding coastal defences (“Rebuild by Design”). 

• Improved flood barriers and power infrastructure. 

• Hazard mitigation grants. 

Effectiveness of long term responses

Improved resilience, but highrisk coastal development continues.