Table of ContentsHurricane EffectsCurrent Logistics and TransportationHurricane Irene Vs. Hurricane Sandy Logistics and Transportation ResponseEvacuationHurricane Irene occurred between August and September 2011. Initially, it began as a tropical wave in the tropical Atlantic Ocean. It spread as light wind shear and warm water and then strengthened as it moved inland. Its effects were strongly felt in New York and North Carolina. In New York, its effects were greater than those felt in 1972, during Hurricane Agnes. The damage suffered was due to flooding, heavy rains and storm surges. Critical systems affected included power grid electrical systems, bridges, air transportation, and destroyed roads (Yoon and Raymond, 2012). This pear seeks to analyze the impacts of Hurricane Irene, logistics and transportation issues, and to make comparisons with Hurricane Sandy. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Effects of the Hurricane In the early days of Hurricane Irene, its effects could not be predicted. When it reached inland, New York City, its impacts were most intense in the lowland region. According to Shinn (2013), roads were swept away and water transportation was impossible because the storms were accompanied by waves that made water transportation using small boats impossible. Some subway systems and road tunnels were swept away while others were simply blocked and therefore impassable. Individuals trapped in lowland areas had difficulty escaping the floods, and some succumbed to the floods and drowned. Additionally, the destruction of power lines led to power outages in several areas and most electricity-dependent operations were disrupted. Cabbage collection centers and sewage treatment plants were overwhelmed and water contamination was intense. There were fears of an epidemic of water-borne diseases. For life safety and reducing casualties, a well-organized transportation response team was helpful as the impacts of the hurricane were being felt and further impacts were expected. Current Logistics and Transportation Assuming a state of emergency has been declared in the affected areas and given that I am the incident commander, it is necessary to formulate an effective emergency response while awaiting assistance federal government to take over. According to Buck et al. (2006), an incident commander is responsible for organizing and managing all aspects of the emergency response; develop incident response objectives, manage incident operations, and apply resources and responsibilities to those involved. It is important to understand the current situation and consider factors that could affect the response. As incident commander, a team to assess the situation should be immediately dispatched to the field and communicated back. Preparations to handle the situation would then follow, with the response team going to the drawing board to plan. The training exercise must be carried out immediately and the equipment must be assembled and certified. All resources are mobilized and help is sought when needed. The team will need to ensure that transport equipment such as rescue boats are in place. Helicopters may also be included to facilitate the safe transfer of people from areas where the.