Sandy strengthens as it nears East Coast

Hurricane Sandy is gaining strength as it plows through the Atlantic. Rain and storm surges are already pounding coastal areas in advance of the Monday night landfall, now predicted to be somewhere between Delaware and central  New Jersey.

“One of the biggest storms of our lifetimes is unfolding right now,” said Kelly Cass, anchor of The Weather Channel, early Monday.

Forecasters expect Sandy to merge with two other winter systems, creating a rare hybrid “super storm."

Tropical storm-force winds extend nearly 500 miles from Sandy’s center, likely affecting more than 50 million people on the East Coast and inland states.  

Thousands evacuated from coastal communities and governors across the region declared states of emergency.

New York City suspended subway, bus, and commuter train service. The New York Stock Exchange is also closed.

World Vision has pre-positioned 1,500 kits of relief supplies in its New York City warehouse in the Bronx.

Flood clean-up kits, personal hygiene items, and emergency food kits are safely stockpiled, while staff evacuated the facility early on Monday.

More supplies are being shipped from Dallas.

In 2011, World Vision responded to six disasters in the United States, providing assistance to about 40,000 people.

Caribbean aftermath

As Hurricane Sandy swept through the Caribbean last week, the storm produced torrential downpours and 80-mph winds; at least 65 people were killed.

World Vision estimates that 75 percent of the Haitian population will be affected by food insecurity in the coming months. Damage from Tropical Storm Isaac and Hurricane Sandy worsened the effects of drought and rising food prices.

A forthcoming report from the national food security council (CNSA) is expected to say that one million people will need food assistance.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, World Vision staff in Haiti distributed nearly 6,000 tarpaulins; 5,000 jerry cans; and 2,500 hygiene kits in Port-au-Prince.

In the far south of the island nation, 100 families received t-shirts, sleeping mats, and blankets.  And hot meals have been provided to 200 families in shelters in La Gonave.

How to help

Make a one-time donation to World Vision’s U.S. Disaster Response Fund. Your contribution will help us respond quickly and effectively to emergencies that that take place right here in the United States.

With reporting from Pamala Horugavye, a World Vision communications officer in Haiti.