Meteorology 1010 |
||
Tornados is Oklahoma Reflective Writing
I am visiting Oklahoma this weekend, just after a significant storm hit last week. All around is evidence of the destruction that hit from the tornado. Tornados are familiar in the mid-west. Fortunately the particular area of Oklahoma that I am visiting has not seen significant damage. The weather can change so quickly here; going from blue skies to dark and returning to blue all within just a short time. Winds and flooding causing great concern. I discussed with some local residents about their experiences from the past week. They mentioned that severe thunder storm and high wind advisories are common every day occurences lately. The Oklahoman (Oklahoma's local newspaper) gives warnings to the residents. Warnings of severe storms, flooding expected and evidence of tornado touchdowns. There has been significant structural damage, fatalities, homes and power lines that were damaged. A strong line of storms with wind gusts nearing 70mph and softball-size hail. Officials closed some roads due to flooding. Residents here that have been through one of these storms before know what they need to do to stay safe. Weather advisories warn of the potential danger. Sirens sound as a very quick and loud warning signal. Families huddle together in the "safe" areas of their homes. Grateful once the storm is gone that it once again passed over their home. Feeling sympathy for those whose life's will be forever changed. Harper, David, and Jerry Wofford. "Weather: Pattern Similar to Thursday Likely on Friday." The Oklahoman [Oklahoma] 31 May 2013: 10A. Print. |
Indian Landslides leave Thousands Trapped in Valley Current Event June 2013
Thousands of people are believed to be trapped near the Indian Himalayas this week after fatal floods hit. The death toll is currently just above 100 and expected to rise. Authorities are not sure what has happened to hundreds more that lived in the area. The flooding caused a tremendous amount of damage to the roads and structures. It has been reported that more than 20 bridges have washed away and there are at least 365 houses demolished with hundreds more damaged. This was reported in Uttarakhand by their state government. One of the worst affected places was Kedarnath. In this place according to reports the town was engulfed by a two-story high wave of ice, mud and water. Man made changes to the environment could have been the reason for so much damage from the flooding. “Deforestation, sand mining and excessive contruction of buildings have caused havoc on the environment in Uttarakhand,” said Medha Patkar. Although there may have been some environment weakness from the hands of man, there are also many other factors that man could not control. This is an unfortunate experience for all involved. Authorities are not even sure how to assist those in need. Helicopters are providing a way for the rescuers to have access to those in need. Many loved ones are left wondering if their loved one survived. There is a fear that eight additional villages have washed away in the floods. More information will be given when it has been made available. "Indian Landslides Leave Thousands Trapped in Valley." The Guardian. N.p., 20 June 2013. Web. 21 June 2013. <http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/20/indian-landslides-leave-trapped-valley-uttrakhand>. |
|
