Hurricanes Helene and Milton Close Schools in Southeast
- Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida in September 2023, causing extensive flooding.
- The storm severely damaged schools, including the elementary school attended by an 8-year-old girl, resulting in the loss of personal and educational materials.
- Experts warn that the increasing frequency of natural disasters will have lasting emotional and academic impacts on children, particularly in economically vulnerable areas.
In September 2023, Hurricane Helene struck Florida's Big Bend Coast as a Category 4 storm, causing significant flooding and damage to homes and schools. Sarah Spicer, a resident of Tampa, evacuated with her daughter, Blakely, who was in second grade. Upon returning, they discovered that Blakely's school had been inundated with two feet of water, destroying her personal belongings and the school's library. This disaster is part of a larger trend, as experts warn that the frequency and severity of natural disasters are increasing due to climate change, which disproportionately affects children. The emotional and academic impacts on students are profound, as many face uncertainty about their futures and the stability of their home lives. Educators are concerned about the long-term effects of such traumatic experiences on children's mental health and academic performance, especially in areas already struggling with economic challenges. The situation is compounded by the closure of local industries, further destabilizing families and communities. Recovery efforts are often unequal, leaving many families without the necessary resources to rebuild their lives after such catastrophic events.