From the unexpected earthquake to the flooding hurricane, the East Coast of the United States has been struck by various amounts of damaging natural disasters in August.

On August 23 in Mineral, Virgina, a record 5.8 magnitude struck the East Coast, rattling citizens of almost all the New England states, eastern Canada, and even in the South and Southwest regions of the United States.

Although no large damage or fatalities were reported, the surprise of the quake did enough harm to the people. This area does not usually encounter earthquakes, and small ones if any, so as the walls rocked and the buildings swayed, the people’s fears heightened.

For earthquake at this magnitude only occurs selectively throughout history, most of the buildings were not prepared for the impact. Two nuclear power plants were shut down due to the aftershocks. Churches and other such buildings around the epicenter were damaged. As for the tall skyscrapers, nothing fell, but all people were forced to evacuate.

Most people feared for another earthquake in which they would not be prepared. There was more emotional and mental trauma over the unexpectedness than any actual physical problems.

A natural disaster more familiar to the East Coast are hurricanes; and this year Hurricane Irene struck on Aug. 20. It has caused around seven billion dollars in damage and approximately 54 deaths.

The most damage done has been due to the flooding produced after the hurricane. Many people have been left stranded out of their homes and there are many others who do not have electricity or plumbing. Schools and roads have been closed. Other services such as flights, baseball and football games have been postponed.

The death toll has risen to 40 lives due to the flooding and they expect this number to rise.

The people living in the East Coast experience this past month has been tragic.

photo provided by Flickr