The Hurricane that Changed New York

A year ago, on October 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy hit New York City with a fury. The hurricane was so severe that it became the worst natural disaster in the city’s history. As I watched the devastation unfold on TV, it looked like an epic blockbuster movie filmed by Steven Spielberg. Manhattan streets turned into dark rivers, businesses and subways were submerged, and half of the city lost power. 80 miles per hour strong winds howled and shook my building, and the trees swirled around in agony. It was surreal!

I prayed to God that nothing tragic happened to my family, friends, and neighborhood. God answered my prayers, and spared my loved ones and friends. My building in East Harlem did not lose power, heat, or water. I felt very lucky! However, my prayers and thoughts were on people that were not so fortunate.

Residents in Battery Park City, Coney Island, New Dorp, and the Rockaways suffered heavily. Hurricane Sandy demolished their homes and businesses; most of these residents including the ones in other waterside neighborhood lost everything. It was hard looking at the pain their eyes. Forty-four people lost their lives in Hurricane Sandy. Like the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001, Hurricane Sandy changed New York City forever.

One year later, New Yorkers has once again proven how resilient and strong they are. Their spirits and hopes are still high even though the recovery is far from over.