Hurricane Delta and what you can do to help

You may have heard the news how Hurricane Delta has struck Louisiana and the severe problems it has caused. If you haven’t, and would like to know more, then read on! 

What is a Hurricane?
A hurricane is a large rotating storm with high speed winds that forms over warm waters in tropical areas.The scientific name for a hurricane is a tropical cyclone. Tropical cyclones go by different names in different places. In North America and the Caribbean they are called "hurricanes", in the Indian Ocean they are called "cyclones", and in Southeast Asia they are called "typhoons."

How do hurricanes form?
Hurricanes form over the warm ocean water of the tropics. When warm moist air over the water rises, it is replaced by colder air. The cold air will then warm and start to rise. This cycle causes huge storm clouds to form. These storm clouds will begin to rotate with the spin of the Earth forming an organized system. If there is enough warm water, the cycle will continue and the storm clouds and wind speeds will grow causing a hurricane to form.

WHAT IS HURRICANE DELTA AND WHEN DID IT HAPPEN? 
Hurricane Delta, now a Category 1 storm and has made landfall near Creole, Louisiana, on Friday, October 9th with nearly 11 million people in the storm's path and winds approaching 100mph. Hundreds of thousands in Texas and Louisiana lost power as the storm traveled north, bringing powerful winds and heavy rainfall further inland. As the hurricane barreled into the Gulf Coast as a Category 2 storm, but weakened to a Category 1 about an hour later. Forecasters are still warning of a "life-threatening" surge of seawater in some areas. The hurricane hit the same region that was devastated by Hurricane Laura which was just six weeks ago. A recovery from that Category 4 storm will likely be set back by weeks.  

Facing the Catastrophe of Hurricane Delta is a difficult job for all of the people of Louisiana as well as facing the Covid-19 situation, so here are 3 ways YOU can support them: 

-DONATE MONEY
One of the most simple yet life changing ways you can help people during a hurricane is to donate money. These funds can support all the people whose property has been destroyed. It can help clear the flood and debris with machinery, or it can even be used to buy essential items like food and water.

-HELP BY RAISING MONEY:
Raise money for this cause so you can help all the individuals and communities who need a helping hand! Ask your family and friends to donate too! It will be fun and you’ll feel great about yourself.

-VOLUNTEER TIME 
While watching disasters like Hurricane Delta unfold, many of us may feel the need to travel to affected areas and volunteer. During the pandemic it is unlikely you’ll be able to travel and help, but if you have any family or friends close to the disaster area, you could let them know how they could help!