The destruction that Hurricane Katrina brought is incredible, and we've yet to get any real idea of how bad it is. What's more amazing is that no matter how bad it turns out to have been, it still could have been a lot worse.
For all the justified worry about New Orleans being wiped out, it appears that Mississippi got the worst of it. A couple of reporters from that state's Sun Herald newspaper have a blog going called Eyes on Katrina, which has a lot of information about what's happening there. Go read, then go give some money to the Red Cross. Thanks to Nate for the link.
UPDATE: This is just awful.
Jefferson Parish, which sits just to the west of Orleans Parish and the city familiar tourist landmarks, has declared martial law today.If you live there you can go home next Monday, but only with photo identification, and only for a short time to collect clothes and other essentials. After that, you've got to leave again.
For a month.
There's no way to spin this. That's just horrible, horrible news. It's so bad there, Parish officials have asked the public to donate boats to help with the rescue and clean-up efforts.
CNN is reporting that the 17th Street levee has given way and water is pouring into downtown New Orleans. Meanwhile, the 9th Ward of the city is expected to have a large death toll.
Due to downed power lines, boats can not attempt to rescue people in some parts of the city. Electricity is not expected for four to six weeks and there are natural gas leaks throughout the city.
I think the mayor of New Orleans, Ray Nagin, says it all for the situation in his city:
"Now is not the time to return to the city," Nagin said to those who evacuated ahead of Katrina, saying they would have to wait weeks, if not months.
"It's almost like a nightmare, that I hope we wake up from," Nagin said.
Posted by: William Hughes on August 30, 2005 2:37 PMAs a Louisiana native, this situation is making it very difficult to concentrate. I'm lucky. All of my family in the New Orleans area is safe and accounted for.
I've stolen moments throughout the day here and there to visit bulletin boards posting links to the Red Cross and Salvation Army websites. Reponses have been worth a couple of grand so far.
I know you've posted a link to the Red Cross, but could I request you keep posting it for a while. Right now money is the most useful way to help until the waters recede.
Thanks.
Posted by: Patrick on August 30, 2005 5:21 PMIf you do choose to donate to the Red Cross, remember to ask your soulless corporate overlords to match your donation. The Red Cross does not care if their funds were amassed on the backs of the working proletariat, so long as the checks clear...
Posted by: Michael Croft on August 30, 2005 11:11 PMAll of our Music and Movie personalities jumped right in to have the "Tsunami Aid" and I am hoping to see a "Gulf Coast Aid" event. America should take care of Americans.
Posted by: Barbara on August 31, 2005 10:19 AMim extremely upset to hear the comments of mayor nagin. before placing blame on others he best look in the mirror. presently i say most blame for anything lies at the feet of city and state government. maybe the mayor and his cohorts should just shut up for once. wouldnt it be great to see them outside there comfy digs volunteering and helping instead of placing blame on others for what has happened.
Posted by: jenny on September 2, 2005 3:08 PM