Why would it have taken years for the Florida keys to recover from the Labor Day hurricane? if right I will give 30 pts

The compact and intense hurricane caused catastrophic damage in the upper Florida Keys, as a storm surge of approximately 18 to 20 feet (5.5 to 6.1 m) swept over the low-lying islands.Explanation: One of the most brutal hurricanes to ever strike our state took place over the Labor Day weekend in 1935. Known as the Labor Day Hurricane, it remains the strongest hurricane ever to make landfall in the United States.

It was the most intense Atlantic hurricane to make landfall on record on terms of pressure. Let me know if you want me to clarify anything from what I wrote.  

answermeasurements;