Hurricane Sandy: A Reflection on the Storm, Its Aftermath - And What's Next?

The devastation of Sandy has had such a big impact on many. Roadways
were covered with water. Mandatory evacuations were given, and parks were
surrounded by water. People have lost houses, cars, and have no place to go.

With 13 days of no power and major uproar about LIPA, Gov. Cuomo himself has mentioned how LIPA has not done their job. People from different states have come into New York, New Jersey, and Staten Island areas to help.

But some of the hardest hit areas of New York were the Far
Rockaways, Breezy Point, and Staten Island. With Red Cross now in these areas,
supplying food, water, and some housing, the devastation only begins.

Some areas that may have been forgotten were located in
Nassau County. Oceanside, Westbury, Huntington were only three areas which had to wait 13 days to get power back but have yet to recover.

Long Island has known for a while the big one was going to
hit — so were they prepared? According to many, they were not. Surrounded by damaged trees, water on both ends of our street, and some loss of power, Hurricane Irene was only the beginning of what was to happen next.

Generators were bought everywhere, but are extremely expensive. With every store in the local area being sold out, there was one store left with generators. As one leader said it will not take days, it will not take months, but many years to recover.

The devastation of Sandy has left many businesses wondering if they will reopen.  Sandy has left gas stations with longer lines or no gas at all, hoarding has begun with gas, but finally Long Island is now on odd and even days for gas.

With things getting slightly better, we only have to wonder — is this really the big one? What is next to come?