Hurricanes and the Making of Caribbean History
The 1899 San Ciriaco hurricane1899 San Ciriaco hurricane hit Puerto Rico, whose economy relied on coffee. The crop had already been facing problems with a decrease in prices and competing countries, but the hurricane wiped out any chance of rebounding from the losses of the previous years. The winds stripped the berries from the trees and the coffee exports of 1899 were only 10 percent of the average export. The losses amounted to 12 million dollars in revenue from 1899 to 1901. This left a dismal outlook on the future for farmers. Sugar was also affected by the storm, although the results were not as drastic. Only a third of the sugar crop could be harvested in 1899, but the soil was reinvigorated. The storm only affected the older haciendas, which would have been retired soon regardless of the hurricane. This allowed for newer technologies to be introduced to the sugar system and U.S. involvement increased. Overall, San Ciriaco helped and hurt the agriculture of Puerto Rico.
Hurricane Sergio (2018)
Sergio made landfall in western Baja California Sur and Sonora as a minimal tropical storm, bringing heavy rains and strong winds to the northern Mexico, damaged some roads in Baja California Sur and the schools in Loreto. In Sonora, almost 400 people have to evacuate to temporary shelter due to the threat of flooding. Strong winds up to downed trees and utility poles in Guaymas. Damage in the city cost about MX$40 million (US$2.12 million). Houses and businesses were also damaged. More than 1,000 schools were closed in Chihuahua and classes in eight municipalities of Sinaloa were suspended. However, there were no deaths or injuries reported.