[ad_1]
The homes damaged and destroyed in Mexico Beach on October 12, 2018, after Hurricane Michael hit the northwest coast of Florida. (Dronebase / Reuters) (HANDOUT / Reuters)
Why did Hurricane Michael cause so much damage? The easy answer: Michael was a spectacular hurricane. At the top of the scale.
However, the rest of the answer is that important personalities have decided that Air Force homes, businesses and bases hosting billions of dollars in planes must be built to standards lower than those dictated by Mother Nature. They bet that a storm too strong was not going to happen. They lost the bet.
After hurricane Andrew of 1992 revealed deficiencies in the details and enforcement of South Florida's building code, Miami-Dade County said, "Never again." Broward County and the Keys have largely followed suit. The building code, building materials and inspection protocols have been strengthened to meet the challenge of a high level hurricane. The current South Florida Code is a global standard.
Meanwhile, North Florida politicians fought body and soul to limit the strict standards enforced by Miami-Dade. They decided that one of these Andrew-like chainsaws would never touch the Panhandle, or most other states, so lower standards were sufficient.
[[[[Florida homes safe from hurricanes are worth it, and some]
They made this decision despite the fact that Hurricane Camille – one of two storms to hit the United States with stronger winds than Andrew – was to hit the Panhandle in 1969 before turning left at the last minute and reach the Mississippi. And there was the Eloise Category 3 Hurricane, which hit just west of Panama City – doing extensive damage – in 1975. And Hurricane Kate of category 2, which hit Mexico Beach in 1985. And despite several powerful hurricanes that hit the Panhandle in the 19th century.
Strong building codes hurt your neck. Constant inspections are necessary because builders sometimes cut corners and then cover them with a dry wall or stucco. But the only way to build a sustainable and safe community in the hurricane zone is to make sure that the buildings are built taking into account the reality of the natural environment.
It's horrible what the people of Panama and the surrounding area are facing. And that's just beginning. After Hurricane Andrew, some people have suffered for months and years. It was heartbreaking to see and horrible to live.
Let's hope that the people of Panama and surrounding areas who have seen their lives turned upside down by Hurricane Michael will demand better leadership in the future.
The wheel does not need to be reinvented. Miami-Dade has set world-class standards. What we need is leaders who understand that Florida is a sore thumb that clings to the hurricane alley. While southern Florida is likely to face hurricanes more often, the entire state has a history of hurricanes that includes ultra-powerful hurricanes.
It is up to all of us to demand that our representatives ignore the voices for weaker codes and advocate for standards strong enough to ensure the sustainability of our communities, even after a storm. The cost of disrupted communities, accentuated by the loss of jobs, which we are witnessing in the Panhandle is much higher in real dollars than the setting of proper standards. Add the cost in heartbreak and in human lives, and the real price to pay for not acting is impossible to calculate.
More from Michael
Before and after images of Hurricane Michael
Michael's second breath: a rare case of tropical storm that has been reinforced over the earth
The devastating damage caused by the wind of Hurricane Michael reminds Andrew in 1992
The historic and horrible hurricane Michael in figures
Michael has made history one of the four most important hurricanes to hit the United States
Report hurricanes live: dangerous and disproportionate or "dangerous but necessary"?
The 10 most amazing visuals of Hurricane Michael, seen by a time fanatic
[ad_2]
Source link
