5.4 Hurricanes and History pt1

Exploration of Hurricanes and Their Historical Impacts

This section discusses the significant effects of hurricanes on historical events and cities, particularly focusing on several catastrophic storms and their aftermath.

The Galveston Hurricane of 1900

Background Information

  • Galveston Island: In competition with Houston for shipping dominance on the Texas Gulf Coast during the late 19th century.

  • Rapid growth led to Galveston's prosperity, making it second only to one other U.S. city in per capita millionaires.

  • On September 8, 1900, a hurricane approached.

Predictions and Warnings

  • Cuban Experts vs. U.S. Weather Bureau:

    • Cuban hurricane trackers had a history of accuracy and predicted landfall on the Texas Coast.

    • However, the U.S. Weather Bureau believed the storm would pass much further east and ignored Cuban predictions.

    • Due to military connections, the U.S. suppressed Cuban forecasts, denying effective warnings.

The Day of the Storm

  • Initially calm on the morning of the hurricane, leading people to congregate along the coast.

  • Structures and escape routes: Only one bridge and two railroads connected the island to the mainland, which all became submerged before evacuation could occur.

  • Communication issues: Isaac Cline, head of the U.S. Weather Station, sent a desperate telegram warning that half the city was underwater. However, communication lines were cut soon after.

Impact of the Hurricane

  • By 5 PM, Galveston was mostly submerged. The wind meter registered a maximum of 135 kilometers per hour before breaking.

  • Water levels rose at three-fourths of a meter per hour and dramatically surged by 1.2 meters in four seconds, submerging the entire island with waves reaching heights of up to 7 meters.

  • Many city structures were destroyed; only a few survivors existed due to debris creating temporary barriers.

Casualty Figures

  • Estimated deaths in Galveston: 6,000 to 8,000 out of a town population of ~38,000, a staggering ratio of about 1 in 7.

  • Included in the tragic narrative were the nuns and workmen at St. Mary’s Orphan Asylum who attempted to tie children together to save them, found dead the next day.

  • Racism: Black Americans were coerced into retrieving bodies after the disaster, highlighting the societal issues of the time.

Rebuilding After the Hurricane

  • Seawall and Elevation: In 1902, a seawall was finally constructed, and the city was raised 11 feet above sea level to prevent future flooding.

  • Granite slabs lined the seawall to combat erosion, and existing buildings were raised using dredging techniques.

Long-term Consequences

  • Shift in commercial activity to Houston due to Galveston’s vulnerability to hurricanes, leading to a population imbalance (Houston's population exceeding 6.3 million compared to Galveston’s <51,000).

Other Notable Hurricanes

The Newfoundland Hurricane of 1775

  • Occurred shortly after the onset of the American Revolutionary War.

  • Recorded severe winds and storm surges between 6 to 9 meters, impacting the fishing fleet primarily, resulting in over 4,000 deaths among sailors and significant economic damage to Britain.

  • Recognized as Canada’s first recorded hurricane.

The Lake Okeechobee Hurricane of 1928

  • The storm surge caused dikes around Lake Okeechobee to breach, leading to massive flooding in impoverished communities.

  • Death toll estimates range from 2,500, with a predominance of undocumented migrant workers among the victims.

  • Mass burials became common as the community struggled against the disaster’s aftermath.

New England Hurricanes

The Great Colonial Hurricane of 1635

  • Historical accounts indicate at least 50 deaths, driven by storm surges of 4 to 6 meters.

The Great September Gale of 1815

  • Resulted in destruction of 500 houses and 35 ships in Rhode Island.

  • Immortalized by poet Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. in a poem that humorously lamented the loss of his childhood breeches.

The Long Island Express Hurricane of 1938

  • Caused widespread flooding and substantial destruction across the East Coast, significantly affecting Hartford, Connecticut.

  • Incredibly rare for powerful hurricanes to impact this region, with the expectation that such events are likely to recur as urban populations increase.

Hurricane Sandy (2012)

  • Made landfall as a Category 1 storm; notable for its extensive diameter yet limited classification.

  • Flooding and structural damage were exacerbated by longstanding urban planning issues, with significant public infrastructures like the subway system becoming compromised.

  • Highlighted the vulnerability of New York City to hurricanes owing to its foundation on former wetlands.

Conclusion

Global Context of Hurricane Impacts

  • Compared to global hurricane death tolls, U.S. impacts remain relatively light.

  • Historical context of disasters elsewhere (e.g., 1975 China dam collapse and the 1970 Bhola cyclone) showcase catastrophic potential of hurricanes and typhoons on a larger scale.

Future Considerations

  • Emphasis on the need for better urban planning and resilient infrastructure to mitigate the effects of future hurricanes, especially in light of climate change and rising sea levels.

  • Zora Neale Hurston's literary references serve as a reminder of the lasting scars left by natural disasters on communities and cultures.