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I am interested in seeing how social ties and networks have been used to cope with (un)natural disasters. My research focus on places under disasters conditions such as Puerto Rico after hurricane Maria, in which social ties have made the difference between life and death. Furthermore, “natural” disaster has been used to approved austerity measures and unjust policies to impoverished communities like in New Orleans after Katrina. These policies were not new, as they are rooted in structures of power to preserve the status quo. Yet, people have resisted, “through a network of branches, cultures, and geographies” that has stimulated a reflective process of looking within for solutions rather than outside. As often this outside solutions are not only detached from community’s reality but can perpetuate social injustices and inequalities.

McKittrick, K., & Woods, C. A. (Eds.). (2007). Black geographies and the politics of place. South End Press.

Bullard, R. D., & Wright, B. (Eds.). (2009). Race, place, and environmental justice after Hurricane Katrina: Struggles to reclaim, rebuild, and revitalize New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. Westview Press.

The nation’s busiest subway system sustained the worst damage in its 108 years of operation on October 29, 2012, as a result of Hurricane Sandy. Millions of people were left without service for at least one week after the storm, as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority rapidly worked to repair extensive flood damage (Photo credit: William Vantuono, Railway Age Magazine, 2012).

The vulnerabilties impact the community in a long term influence, especially fire. Fire hazards need more attention. the government should update their Police and Fire policies around the expansion of the fire events.

Newark's air is polutted from the factories and warehouses the most. Also, Newark's port is surrounded by factories and use of toxic gases. I think the air pollution in Newark impacts the residents of Newark and the surrounding cities as well. Air Pollution causes lots of diseases.

Hurricane Sandy impacted the community by distroying homes and landscapes. The Red Cross's decision to give out $310M as a recovery of the Hurricane is such a great way to step on solving such a vulnerabilitial hazard. Hurricane Sandy impacted buildings and lives, including children who lost their homes. Having a fund for the recovery of such an event is a great way to help people who lost their homes or beloved ones. Government started to help the hurricane victims right after the Hurricane by providing them homes or food. However, I believe that having a fund for recovery will be more flixable to help the hurrican victims. Lots of families lost family members in the hurrican. The Red Cross is helping with money, which cannot bring lives back. However, I believe that I is relieving to just think about those victims and consider them in the plan as well. There also lots of organizations were helping with the recovery form Hurricane Sandy by providing volunteers to build up houses and volunteers to make children recover from the event by providing performing arts. $310M fund will help those organizations do their job of building houses and bring kids' spirits back.