September 20, 2022
This Tropical Storm/Hurricane Fiona sweeping through the Caribbean now, with intent, is a wide one. It can cover several countries simultaneously- While it was in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic was already feeling the effects and now as it sweeps through the DR, the Turks and Caicos and Southern most islands in The Bahamas are feeling the effects.
We just want everyone to exercise an abundance of caution. Evacuate if you need to, don’t be brave. Material thigs can be replaced, but your life is precious.
Let us hope the aftermath is not costly either. Hurricane Irma in 2017 cost $77bn over the Caribbean and Southern Florida. Hurricane Dorian in The Bahamas, 2019 cost the country $3.4bn. All of this is unimportant because it all can be replaced by something better. You, however, cannot be replaced so be safe.
As we speak, Puerto Rico is picking up the pieces from the damage. Power is off on most of the island, reminiscent of Hurricane Maria in 2017 where power was off for nearly a full year.
The power of these hurricanes are stronger every year, but thank God that Fiona is wide, but not strong as previous hurricanes. We should be thankful and remember simultaneously that he climate change fight needs to be ratcheted up now.
We need more action from the association of small island states (AOSIS) and put these larger countries to task on their carbon footprint and emissions. Our leaders are trying their best, however, because they have been meeting and putting the questions to the polluting countries and we need to stand behind them.
We pray that Fiona leaves little to no dead. But we know some may die, as it always does. We pray for their souls.