Following closely on the tail of Hurricane Gustav, which wrecked havoc on the island nation of Cuba less than two weeks ago, Hurricane Ike slammed into the coasts of Texas and Louisiana early this morning. With millions without power and massive flooding throughout the Houston area, the storm system, which is more than 200 miles wide, is continuing across the Gulf Coast and is supposed to move into Arkansas by nightfall. Early reports from authorities are saying that Hurricane Ike will be the most devastating storm in 25 years since Hurricane Alicia hit the Gulf Coast in 1983. So far the estimated damages and loss of life is unknown, but both are expected to be high.
The impact of this storm is huge and the effect will be felt throughout the United States, not just because a large portion of the population lives on the Gulf Coast but also because gas prices have already started rising in response to the shutting of refineries on the Coast. This story has timeliness, it is still happening as I write. Prominence has been added to this story because both John McCain and Barak Obama have made statements concerning the storm and have changed campaign plans because of it. This story also has currency; this hurricane season has been at the top of the news for the past month and past storms have caused great damage. Also, people are being reminded of Hurricane Katrina, with some news agencies claiming that the effect of Hurricane Ike could be worse. The conflict in this story is apparent; many lives have been destroyed by this storm.
1 comment:
I think you've nailed it. 10/10
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