Kimberly Rubit, 63, faced a challenging time during Hurricane Beryl in Houston, focusing on keeping her severely disabled daughter, Mary, safe and cool amid a 10-day power outage.
The storm caused numerous heat-related deaths. According to an AP analysis, power outages are becoming more frequent and prolonged due to climate change. In the Pacific Northwest, a recent "bomb cyclone" caused about half a million outages.
People with disabilities and chronic health conditions are particularly vulnerable during power outages. Many lack adequate weatherizing and backup power supplies or cannot afford their electricity bills. Professor Diana Hernandez from Columbia University highlights the impact of energy instability on such populations.
Its a dire situation that underscores the need for better support and infrastructure to protect vulnerable individuals during extreme weather events.
