Even though Hurricane Matthew did not significantly affect South Florida, it did hurt the Caribbean and Southeastern United States. After reaching the Caribbean it became a hurricane and intensified quickly. Between Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, the storm reached its peak intensity of Category 5 strength with winds of 160 mph.

Still recovering from the earthquake in 2010, Haiti was one of the places the hurricane hit the hardest. Over 250 people died and the death toll is still rising. In the country, infrastructures crumbled and thousands of residents have been displaced. More than 300,000 people have been placed in shelters. Since the earthquake, officials are describing the destructive hurricane as the “largest humanitarian event.” Specific details of the damage are slowly coming into light and aid agencies did not expect the devastation to be so great.

The damage in the Bahamas was not as extensive. There were no injuries reported, but houses were flooded and suffered from wind damage. Also, there was a number of roads that were obstructed by fallen trees and poles. Until an assessment of the damage was made, Bahamian residents were asked to stay in doors. For now, the hurricane has only caused flooding in coastal communities and damage to a number of resorts in Nassau.

“I think it’s really sad and devastating that those countries had to go through that especially with all those lives lost. I would like to help them because I would want other people to help me if the tables were turned and I was the one who lost my home. Everyone deserves a place to sleep at night,” junior Natalie Medina said.

In Cuba, over 30 homes were washed away and hundreds were left roofless. No fatalities were reported and the seaside area of the town was evacuated. The United Nations has offered support in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, in coordination with the Cuban government.

Much of the Southeastern U.S. suffered from flooding as a result of the hurricane. The storm killed over 30 people when it reached the states of  South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina and Florida. River flooding was one of the main issues in states like Georgia. In all five states, large evacuations were made in order to save citizens.

“Luckily, Miami wasn’t affected directly. But, its sad to see others in Florida suffering from the aftermath of the hurricane. If I could, I would help,” senior Julene Valmana said.

Hurricane Mathew will definitely be remembered, especially by those directly affected. If you’d like to donate to UNICEF’s Hurricane Matthew Relief Efforts click here.