Residents of North Minneapolis take to the streets after the aftermath of the storm
May 22, 2011 a storm ripped through the metro of North Minneapolis injuring 22 people and taking one life. The storm caused severe damage to the already struggling neighborhood further adding to the current emotional and very real economic disparities. Tornado activity was reported by the National Weather Service elsewhere in the region extending from Northeastern Oklahoma all the way to Northern Wisconsin previous to its severe hit in the metro area , however the strength and the size of the activity were unforeseen. The storm traveled Northeast of the Minnesota region dragging large amounts of debris across interstate highways eventually reaching residential areas, )were reports of the menacing funnel shaped storm in the sky. Later reports from the Weather surface detailed the rank of the tornado as an EF1 with winds between 86-110mph.
As word reached that the brunt of the tornado was to pass through North Minneapolis. A curfew was put in place by city police. The severity of the storm prevented many emergency vehicles to pass through, historical trees were uprooted, and the city of Minneapolis seemed to be swallowed up by the sky.
Natures nuisance or a city's negligence?
North Minneapolis though hit with by the tornado over 5 years ago now still shows deeps signs of needed recovery and scars from the incident. Vacant lots are still prevalent were homes stood and even signs of debris such as fallen trees. Whats the issue? City organizing and lack of sufficient care in responding adequately to the needs of the city's residents. There is no desire to build an already broken foundation in an impoverished neighborhood that was in despair before natures touch. Rebuilding and clean up efforts were left to the owners of properties, few donations were made for funding supplies, however, these burdens are left to the residents alone. In the face of this few locals continue to make sure their community is well spoken for and uplifted even in the wake of a tragedy as undiscriminating as this.
References:
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/journal/tornado_110523.html
https://www.minnpost.com/politics-policy/2011/05/mystery-why-were-seeing-more-tornadoes-minnesota/
https://www.minnpost.com/cityscape/2013/10/north-minneapolis-still-struggling-recover-2011-tornado/
Nice post! It’s interesting to think about the reasons behind which natural disasters get news coverage and support compared to those that don’t. Do you know of any organizations that specifically help with disaster relief in cities like North Minneapolis?
ReplyDeleteGreat post Isaysha! It's interesting to see yet another impoverished neighborhood subject to a lack of disaster relief, both economically and physically. It seems that it is very common within poverty-ridden neighborhoods that news coverage and aid are very scarce. I really do wonder the ethics and process behind where support is allocated.
ReplyDeleteWell written post! I wonder how the effort to cleanup after the storm would differ in other neighbourhoods, or if past events could show how city officials handle damage differently by neighbourhood to show what help impoverished areas have in comparison to wealthy ones.
ReplyDelete