Hurricane Sandy, One Year Later

(Image source: Los Angeles Times) BY JAMAL ANDRESS One year ago Superstorm Sandy ravaged the east coast displacing millions, causing billions of dollars worth of damage and most importantly stealing precious lives.  It was the largest Atlantic Ocean storm in U.S. history, causing an estimated $65 billion worth of damage and killing at least 117 Americans and dozens more in the Caribbean. (via ABC) Sandy was the second costliest natural disaster in U.S. history, only falling behind Hurricane Katrina. CNN explains what made this the perfect storm. (via Los Angeles Times)  "It was really the perfect combination of coming in at high tide, you have a 9 foot storm surge combining with  high tide" "1000 miles wide so expansive and of course coming right perpendicular to shore." (via CNN) Since the storm hit, the Federal Government has provided more than $17 billion toward relief ... (via The Telegraph / FEMA) Bullet Points • $1.4 billion to disaster survivors • $3.2 billion to affected states • $2.4 billion in low interest loans  • $74 million in Hazard Mitigation  • $28 million in Disaster Unemployment Assistance • $50 million in Disaster Case Management   But thousands still remain displaced. NBC writes, "The state of rebuilding in the region varies ... Some families forge ahead with the often slow, costly construction process, with some living in their partially repaired homes. And others who lack the resources to rebuild, including those battling for insurance money or waiting for government aid, are still shacking up with relatives ... "  But as with all natural disasters, signs of relief have started to roll in across the coast.  "After a $20 million repair and restoration Ellis Island finally reopens after Superstorm Sandy." "This is where people entered America, this is where people started their lives new and fresh." (via WCBS) Many communities throughout the east coast have planned vigils and remembrances to honor those lost in the storm.