After the Storm

Millions of Americans are recovering after Hurricane Matthew lashed the southeastern coast of the United States from October 6 to 8. The storm brought powerful winds and heavy rains to Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. On October 9, it turned toward the sea and was downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone. Matthew left a path of destruction and deaths in its wake.

An estimated 2 million people were ordered to evacuate their homes as Matthew approached the region. More than 22 people in the U.S. were killed in the storm, with at least 14 deaths occurring in North Carolina. About 2.2 million homes and businesses in the Southeast were left without power for days.

Even after it weakened and moved away, Matthew's impact was being felt, especially in North Carolina. Heavy rains led to record-breaking levels of flooding in the eastern part of the state. North Carolina governor Pat McCrory warned residents that the effects of the storm would linger for days. "This is going to be a prolonged hurricane for us, even though the skies are blue," he said on October 10.

Before reaching the U.S., Matthew spent a week sweeping across the Caribbean, striking Haiti, Cuba, and the Bahamas. The storm hit Haiti especially hard, causing at least 900 deaths and widespread damage. "Devastation is everywhere," said Pilus Enor, mayor of Camp Perrin, in southwestern Haiti. "Every house has lost its roof. All the plantations have been destroyed." Nations and organizations around the world are working to provide support and relief to Haiti during this difficult time for its people.

A car floats down a street on October 7, 2016, as a result of flooding caused by Hurricane Matthew .