
Hurricane Maria, which devastated the Caribbean in 2017, struck Puerto Rico (Dominican Islands) in September 2017. It was a Category 5-hurricane, the strongest tropical cyclone that made landfall in the Caribbean.
This hurricane is a stark reminder of the terrible impact that climate change has had on Caribbean. The Atlantic Ocean is warmer than it has ever been, with sea temperatures doubling in the last 40 years. Scientists believe that this can be attributed human-caused global heating.
It also means a growing number of natural disasters are becoming more common in the region, experts say. Several of the Caribbean's most vulnerable countries - including Dominica, Saint Croix and Puerto Rico - are still recovering from the damage caused by Maria.
UNICEF puerto rico hurricane maria recovery
Unicef is helping Puerto Rican children to recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Maria. The organization not only sent water and hygiene kits for those in dire need, but also began to support children with emotional responses to the disaster.

They created a workshop that was completely in Spanish for children to understand the events and how they will affect their lives. It was created by UNICEF in collaboration with a local nonprofit, The Center for School Behavioral Health.
Stern says that these workshops helped many children to cope with the effects of the storm on their lives. She explained that the center's team of social workers was trained to help children with emotional issues. The group works closely with schools to show teachers how to use their tools and what children require in the aftermath of major natural disasters.
Despite the efforts, many children have continued to experience emotional trauma. One study found that 33% of Maria-inflicted children had post-traumatic stress disorders.
The Puerto Rican Department of Health has reported that there was a rise in suicides among Puerto Rican teens after the hurricane's impact. According to statistics by the department, the percentage of suicides committed by children following the hurricane was almost 30% higher than in 2016.
It is hard to determine what causes teenage suicides. However, it appears to be largely linked with climate change according to a report from the National Institutes of Health.

"We know that a lot of these kids are feeling alone and they feel like they have no friends left in the world," said Dr. Tricia Wachtendorf, a professor of sociology at the University of Delaware who studies disaster relief.
But the impact of Maria has also triggered a new generation of Puerto Rican youth who are focusing on politics and activism. They want to draw attention to the difficulties their country is facing on the ground, such as old infrastructure, debt, and a recent economic crises.
FAQ
Why are basic survival skills important?
Basic survival skills include the ability to hunt, fish and make fire. These skills are important no matter where you live. But they are more crucial when you're traveling alone or in remote places.
These skills include self-defense, navigation and communication as well as wilderness medicine. They are vital life-saving tools and should be used before venturing out into the unknown.
In addition to these basic skills, many other valuable skills could prove useful while you are away from home. For example, if you plan on spending your vacation hiking through the mountains, learn some mountaineering techniques if you plan to go camping in the desert, learn how to survive in extreme temperatures. There are many ways you can prepare for any situation. So don't be afraid of trying new skills.
How do you choose the best knife to suit your needs?
It's not easy to pick the right knife. There are many knife brands that claim to be the best.
But which one is the best? How do you decide between them?
Consider first what tasks you are going to be performing with your knife.
Do you want to chop wood, skin animals, slice bread or chop vegetables?
Is your knife intended for hunting or fishing? Is your knife meant for camping cooking or kitchen cutting
Will you use it to open cans and bottles? Do you plan to open boxes or packages?
Is your knife strong enough to handle heavy loads?
Consider cleaning it after each use. Is it something you intend to do often?
Does it need to hold its edge well over time?
Why is knot-tying important for survival?
People all over the globe use knots to attach items like ropes, fishing lines and ladders. You can also use them to tie bags closed, secure objects to trees and create shelters. You can save your life by knowing how to tie knots to trees or ropes, or to secure shelters.
Which is the most critical item for survival
Food is the most essential thing to survive. Shelter from the elements and food are also essential. You won't live long if you don't eat.
Statistics
- We know you're not always going to be 100% prepared for the situations that befall you, but you can still try and do your best to mitigate the worst circumstances by preparing for a number of contingencies. (hiconsumption.com)
- The downside to this type of shelter is that it does not generally offer 360 degrees of protection and unless you are diligent in your build or have some kind of tarp or trash bags, it will likely not be very resistant to water. (hiconsumption.com)
- Without one, your head and neck can radiate up to 40 percent of your body heat. (dec.ny.gov)
- Not only does it kill up to 99.9% of all waterborne bacteria and parasites, but it will filter up to 1,000 liters of water without the use of chemicals. (hiconsumption.com)
External Links
How To
How to Make Shelters Out of Natural Materials in Emergencies
When faced with emergency situations, shelter building is an essential skill. There are two types. The temporary shelter is called a tent and the permanent shelter is called a house. Both require basic tools such as nails, hammers, saws, axes, shovels, and picks; however, they differ in the type of material used. Temporary shelters are made from sticks, leaves, and grasses. Permanent shelters use metal, concrete bricks, stone, and other materials. The circumstances, climate, and availability are all factors that will influence the best choice.
Natural materials, such as bamboo and palm fronds, bark, reeds or vines, can be used in place of artificial ones. These materials have been used for years to build temporary shelters. They are lightweight, easy to construct, and do not have the durability they need. These structures provide protection from insects and extreme weather conditions. Permanent structures are more durable, have greater insulation, are stronger and last for a longer time. But they take much more effort to build.
These shelters should not only be practical but also aesthetic and cost-effective. Bamboo is great due to its lightness and strength, but it does require skilled labor and can be quite expensive. The reeds can be very inexpensive but they are not strong enough to withstand heavy winds. Palm fronds, while strong and durable, are easily torn off and can become fragile. Bark can be used to provide insulation and fire resistance, but it is not easy to work with. Grasses are affordable but don't keep out rainwater. Vines are light and flexible, but they can be damaged if they are not tightly tied. The branches are strong and can rot but are durable. Stone is heavy, expensive, and durable but can also be damaged by water. Concrete is hardy but not easy to transport or install. The brick is sturdy but requires lots of space and is heavy. Wood can last a long time, but it needs to be maintained and taken care of. Metal requires expensive power tools.
The material choice depends on many factors such as the location, budget, skills level, availability of tools, local regulations and climate. Bamboo is most popular in tropical places where it grows naturally. It can grow quickly, is low-cost, and doesn’t require special tools. However, it is weak when wet and cannot withstand strong wind. Although the grass is durable and strong, it requires a lot more manpower to grow. Palms are hardy and resilient, but can quickly get dirty. The bark is cheap, light, and easy to cut. It resists moisture and dust but is susceptible to cracking and breaking. Stones can withstand extreme weather conditions and are durable and strong. Concrete is versatile and durable but requires power tools. Metal is strong but requires many power tools. Wood is long-lasting and inexpensive. Steel is more durable, but it's also more expensive.