A bomb cyclone tore through Issaquah on Nov. 19 leaving a path of destruction behind it. This destruction included blocked roads, buildings destroyed by trees, and no power for thousands of households. This event illustrated the power of volunteer work and community in Issaquah as many people came together in a beautiful effort to help each other.
After the devastation of the bomb cyclone that hit the city, many people found themselves aided by the goodness of their own next-door neighbors. People affected by the storm woke up to the cheery sight of neighbors holding chainsaws and leaf blowers, doing their part to help restore the community. Roads all throughout the city were covered in branches, uprooted trees, and splintering wood. However, with the help of the Issaquah community, the clean-up process was sped up significantly. Freshman Eve Witten says, “Our power went out for a little bit, so we had to use our generator, but it was more about our neighbors, who had a bunch of branches fall over in their yard, so we went and helped pick them up because our neighbors are pretty old.” Students and neighbors alike can help their community become a safer, cleaner place by working together and offering support to those in need. Witten continues to say, “I think it’s important to just recognize that if there are people near you that need help it’s important to help them. You don’t necessarily have to want to help, it’s just important to do it anyways and to help any way you can.”
There are multiple ways for everyone to help out with recovering from the bomb cyclone, including offering help and resources to neighbors and cleaning up the streets. However, there are also ways for everyone to help indirectly through donations and notifying support groups. According to South Seattle Emerald, Mutual Aid South and East King County (MASEKC) were able to provide food for 40 vulnerable families due to donations and funds that they had access to. In addition, South Seattle Emerald also mentions how Essentials First provided blankets and hygiene supplies for those that needed them. Both of these organizations mentioned above are open to receive donations and help that will allow them to continue to directly help those that are affected by the bomb cyclone.
Families should be proud of their selfless acts and the relief that they brought to communities. Sophomore Akanksha Bollepali talks about how she helped her neighbor explaining that “it was really fulfilling being able to provide friends with warm showers and hot food.” In disaster situations, any act of service—no matter how big or small—can positively impact another family. Freshmen Bagima Khudyeva reflects on her work as an advocate for those in need, saying, “it is very important to help people in times like these, because you feel good about it, and even if it is a small gesture, it stays with that person.” Whether you allowed someone to take a shower, cooked them food, donated headlamps, or volunteered in restoration efforts, we appreciate the work you have done for the Issaquah community.
