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 Katia (2017)
Katia made landfall near Tecolutla in Veracruz as a Category 1 hurricane on September 9. The cyclone brought floods, mudslides, and strong winds to areas recently devastated by Mexico's most damaging earthquake in over 100 years. The highest 24-hour rainfall total in relation to the hurricane was in Canseco, Veracruz. Several roads were closed due to inundation, while early reports indicated that about 370 homes were flooded. Katia caused damage in at least 53 of Mexico's municipalities, though damage in each community was generally minimal. About of precipitation fell in Xalapa, equivalent to nearly two months of rainfall. Heavy rainfall resulted in 65 mudslides in 20 neighborhoods of the city and flooded 65 homes. Two fatalities were reported due to the mudslides. The storm toppled 22 trees and a number of branches in the city. Another death occurred after a man was swept away by floodwaters in Jalcomulco. About 77,000 residents were left without power at the height of the storm.