Hurricane Maria, which devastated the Caribbean in 2017, struck Puerto Rico (Dominican Islands) in September 2017. It was a Category 5 hurricane and the strongest tropical storm to hit the Caribbean.
This hurricane serves as a reminder of how devastating climate change has made the Caribbean. The Atlantic Ocean is warmer than it has ever been, with sea temperatures doubling in the last 40 years. Scientists believe that this can be attributed human-caused global heating.
It also means a growing number of natural disasters are becoming more common in the region, experts say. Many of the Caribbean’s most vulnerable countries, including Dominica Saint Croix (Puerto Rico) and Puerto Rico are still recovering from Maria's destruction.
UNICEF puerto rico hurricane maria recovery
Unicef, the humanitarian relief organization in Puerto Rico, is helping children recover after Hurricane Maria. The organization provided water and hygiene products to those in most need. They also assisted children in coping with the emotional effects of the disaster.
They created a workshop, completely in Spanish, to help children understand what happened and how it will affect their lives. It was created by UNICEF in collaboration with a local nonprofit, The Center for School Behavioral Health.
Stern claims that many children have been able to deal with the emotional effects of the storm. Stern stated that the center has a staff of social workers who have been trained to support children in dealing with their emotions. The group works closely with schools to show teachers how to use their tools and what children require in the aftermath of major natural disasters.
Many children still suffer emotional trauma despite numerous efforts. In one study, psychologists found that a third of children who experienced Maria exhibited symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
According to the Puerto Rican Department of Health, suicides have increased in Puerto Rican teenagers due to the hurricane's aftermath. The number of children who committed suicide after the hurricane has risen nearly 30 percent from 2016, the department's statistics show.
It's hard to pin down the cause of teenage suicides. But, a new report from both the National Institutes of Health as well as the University of Pennsylvania shows that they are largely connected to climate change.
"We know a lot of these children are feeling alone, and they feel that they have no friends left," said Dr. Tricia Walzendorf, a University of Delaware professor of sociology who studies disaster aid.
The impact of Maria also has triggered a new generation in Puerto Rican youth, who are now focusing on politics as well as activism. They are trying to bring attention to the struggles their country faces on the ground - old infrastructure, debt and a recent economic crisis, as well as ongoing challenges like hurricanes, which have a way of dragging people down.
FAQ
What is the best survival tip you have?
The best way to survive is to stay calm. If you panic, you'll make mistakes and die.
What is the most essential item for survival?
The most important thing you need to survive is food. You also need shelter from the elements, which are not as essential as food. You will not live very long if there isn't enough food.
What is your most valuable survival tool in case you get lost?
The compass indicates which direction north is. It also tells us how far we've traveled since our beginning point. The compass won't always show you the correct direction if you travel to mountains. If you are in flat terrain, the GPS will often show you where to go.
A compass is not necessary if you do not have one. You can use an object like a rock, tree or other solid for guidance. Although you would still need to locate a landmark to guide yourself, at least you would know where north is.
What can you do when faced with a survival situation
You don't have much time to think about what to say next. Prepare for everything. Be prepared to deal with any unexpected problem.
It is important to be flexible and willing to learn if you find yourself in an unfamiliar situation.
In a survival situation you might face the following problems:
-
Finding yourself in remote places
-
Getting lost
-
Having limited food supplies
-
Low on water
-
Facing hostile people
-
Facing wild animal
-
Finding shelter
-
Predators being fought
-
Lighting the fire
-
Tools
-
Building shelters
-
Hunting
-
* Fishing
Statistics
- Without one, your head and neck can radiate up to 40 percent of your body heat. (dec.ny.gov)
- Not only does it kill up to 99.9% of all waterborne bacteria and parasites, but it will filter up to 1,000 liters of water without the use of chemicals. (hiconsumption.com)
- In November of 1755, an earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 6.0 and a maximum intensity of VIII occurred about 50 miles northeast of Boston, Massachusetts. (usgs.gov)
- The downside to this type of shelter is that it does not generally offer 360 degrees of protection and unless you are diligent in your build or have some kind of tarp or trash bags, it will likely not be very resistant to water. (hiconsumption.com)
External Links
How To
How to purify water in emergency situations
In times of natural disasters, drinking water purification is one of the most critical activities. Filtration, disinfection, storage are all part of the process to purify drinking water. Clean water has been a lifesaver during emergency situations. It also helps people recover faster after disasters.
Purified water should always remain out of direct sunlight. Purified water should not be stored with oxygen. Plastic bags and bottles are good alternatives if you don't have enough containers. Keep the water at 4°C (40°F) or less. Avoid freezing, as ice crystals might form within the water.
These steps are important when purifying water:
-
Boil water until it boils dry. By straining the boiling water through an a strainer, you can remove any impurities.
-
For every 2 gallons water, add 1 teaspoon of iodine. Mix thoroughly before adding the powdered iodine.
-
Keep the water in an airtight container. Keep the water at room temperature for no longer than three working days.
-
You should label the container with the date, type and amount of water.
-
Make sure that your water supply is safe!