This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

Hurricane Irma: Chainsaw Toting Nun Chops Up Fallen Trees

‘There was a need, I had the means.’

In the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma it's all hands on deck as the cleanup efforts begin.

And this chainsaw-toting nun was no exception.

Sister Margaret Ann of Archbishop Coleman F Carroll High School, in southwest Miami, was spotted tearing through fallen trees by a passing off-duty police officer.

Still dressed in her habit, the nun had rolled up her sleeves and revved up the tool, telling CNN: "There was a need, I had the means, so I wanted to help out."

The 30-year-old added: "We teach our students: Do what you can to help other people, don't think of yourselves."

Sister Margaret was thanked officially by Miami Dade Police, which tweeted: "We are one community in Miami Dade County! Thank you Sister Margaret Ann for pitching in as we recover from Irma."

Miami mayor Tomas Regalado had earlier told a news conference: "We have never experienced, not even with Hurricane Andrew, the amount of trees that are downed in the city." Hurricane Andrew hit Florida in 1992.

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.