OT: Hurricane Katrina

Andrew · 30th August 2005, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fearn

First off, I join with the others in hoping that New Orleans does not get totally trashed by Katrina.

That said...

Chill out, people! You're scaring yourselves silly (literally)!

I've spent my share of time digging out from mudslides, cleaning up after quakes, and the like. I know. I've also watched news people searching for hours, looking for the sob story that will best dramatize the crisis, so that they'll have a good story to sell. That's not what most people do in a crisis.

Most people are pretty resilient, and most of them tend to respond pretty well in the crisis and in the rebuilding afterwards.

As others have said, people on the Gulf are pretty resilient to hurricanes, just as people on the west coast are pretty resilient to quakes, fires, and floods. I suspect that some of our Asian members will have good stories about monsoons and typhoons, too (not to mention tidal waves).

We can get through it.

Fearn

We will certainly get through it, Fearn. That's not really the point. Having lived through more hurricanes than I care to discuss, I am fearful for those who faced this storm. I started this thread to share those feelings.

I'm gratified this event wasn't as bad as predicted when I started this thread. It was shaping up to be one of the worst ever. Thankfully, the storm shifted, and decreased in strength shortly before landfall. However, preliminary reports indicate massive property damage, 55 dead in Gulfport, LA and 50 dead in Biloxi, MISS.

I expect this to get much worse before it gets better.

fearn · 30th August 2005, 07:23 AM

Hi Andrew,

Well, New Orleans seems to have gotten through the storm, and it could have been worse. Now we get the long, slow process of taking stock and cleaning up. Hopefully the death toll won't get much higher.

F

Rick · 30th August 2005, 02:57 PM

Well , I guess it just got a lot worse .
There are substantiated reports of a 200 meter long breach in the Lake Ponchitrain levee .

Jim McDougall · 1st September 2005, 01:24 AM

As everyone by now is well aware, this event has become cataclysmic and continues to exceed every imaginable comparison to other disasters, at least those known here in the U.S. The levees have completely failed and New Orleans is slowly becoming immersed in what is literally a most deadly and toxic pool. The monsterous hurricane itself, although missing New Orleans, swept through the Gulf Coast with unbelievable ferocity, actually regaining strength as it literally swept whole towns off the map. There is little left standing in most places on the gulf with over 90% total destruction of structures in Gulfport and Biloxi.
While New Orleans evacuated for the most part, much of Mississippi did not, and it is yet impossible to determine death tolls. Incredible winds and deadly tornados spawned by the hurricane took their toll into Alabama as well.

As an airline agent here in Dallas, I do know we have been able to get several relief planes into New Orleans, and yesterday we brought in 10 employees along with hundreds of stranded passengers from virtually every airline that goes into New Orleans. The remainder of our employees we are still trying to locate. With no phones or communication, transportation or for that matter even addresses as most of the city is underwater, it is at this point impossible, but we are still trying. The airport itself has intermittantly had at least one runway open enough to accomplish those relief flights, but that status remains unstable.

At this point, the unimaginable and tragic loss of life remains ever present, but not yet in known statistics or numbers. Thankfully they are getting everyone out of the city as they race against the insidious aftermath that will surely claim many more victims if they remain there any longer. I cannot begin to imagine the agony and despair of these poor people in this waterborne hell of filth, toxic chemicals and oil, death and many deadly forms of wildlife, and deadliest of all the disease that is inevitable.

This event has surpassed our fears and become a disaster of magnitude this country has not ever experienced. We have always been the rescuer in so many worldwide disasters and been first to be there to help.......this time it was us, and we are honestly stunned as we try to understand ourselves as the victims. This was indeed, our tsunami.

I pray for those who were lost, and for strength and comfort for the loved ones who remain, and that we can help those survivors regain thier lives. I deeply mourn the loss of a city I truly loved, and for all whose loved ones, homes and in fact whole towns were lost.

With deepest compassion,
Jim

fearn · 1st September 2005, 01:45 AM

You're right, Jim.

I'll also add this:

http://www.redcross.org

You might have trouble getting through. I took the money I was saving up to buy a sword and donated it for flood relief. Not much, but every little bit helps.
F

John · 1st September 2005, 02:28 AM

I was watching both CNN and BBC last night and could not imagine the magnitude of disaster of this merciless hurricane.

My heartfelt compassion for all victims and pray for a speedy recovery for all those affected.

Andrew · 1st September 2005, 04:36 AM

I just finished an online conversation with an aquaintance who lived in New Orleans. Thankfully, he and his family are all safe, as they evacuated before the storm hit.

He and his brother are paramedics and, using their credentials, suceeded in gaining access to the city to assess the damage to their home and to retrieve some belongings. They had the wisdom to arm themselves.

He advises that the looting and crimes against people are being under-reported by the media. Armed mobs are roaming the few dry streets left in the city, and they personally witnessed multiple attacks, carjackings and shootings. They also saw bodies floating in the streets. They left without reaching their home.

Martial law has been declared in New Orleans. A mandatory evacuation has been ordered, and convoys of vehicles are transporting refugees to the Houston Astrodome several hundred miles away for shelter. It is estimated the entire city will be unihabitable for months. Current estimates place the number of deaths in the thousands.

I am overwhelmed. Godspeed to everyone touched by this tragedy.

30th August 2005, 07:23 AM	#2
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	Hi Andrew, Well, New Orleans seems to have gotten through the storm, and it could have been worse. Now we get the long, slow process of taking stock and cleaning up. Hopefully the death toll won't get much higher. F

30th August 2005, 02:57 PM	#3
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	Well , I guess it just got a lot worse . There are substantiated reports of a 200 meter long breach in the Lake Ponchitrain levee .

1st September 2005, 01:24 AM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,285	As everyone by now is well aware, this event has become cataclysmic and continues to exceed every imaginable comparison to other disasters, at least those known here in the U.S. The levees have completely failed and New Orleans is slowly becoming immersed in what is literally a most deadly and toxic pool. The monsterous hurricane itself, although missing New Orleans, swept through the Gulf Coast with unbelievable ferocity, actually regaining strength as it literally swept whole towns off the map. There is little left standing in most places on the gulf with over 90% total destruction of structures in Gulfport and Biloxi. While New Orleans evacuated for the most part, much of Mississippi did not, and it is yet impossible to determine death tolls. Incredible winds and deadly tornados spawned by the hurricane took their toll into Alabama as well. As an airline agent here in Dallas, I do know we have been able to get several relief planes into New Orleans, and yesterday we brought in 10 employees along with hundreds of stranded passengers from virtually every airline that goes into New Orleans. The remainder of our employees we are still trying to locate. With no phones or communication, transportation or for that matter even addresses as most of the city is underwater, it is at this point impossible, but we are still trying. The airport itself has intermittantly had at least one runway open enough to accomplish those relief flights, but that status remains unstable. At this point, the unimaginable and tragic loss of life remains ever present, but not yet in known statistics or numbers. Thankfully they are getting everyone out of the city as they race against the insidious aftermath that will surely claim many more victims if they remain there any longer. I cannot begin to imagine the agony and despair of these poor people in this waterborne hell of filth, toxic chemicals and oil, death and many deadly forms of wildlife, and deadliest of all the disease that is inevitable. This event has surpassed our fears and become a disaster of magnitude this country has not ever experienced. We have always been the rescuer in so many worldwide disasters and been first to be there to help.......this time it was us, and we are honestly stunned as we try to understand ourselves as the victims. This was indeed, our tsunami. I pray for those who were lost, and for strength and comfort for the loved ones who remain, and that we can help those survivors regain thier lives. I deeply mourn the loss of a city I truly loved, and for all whose loved ones, homes and in fact whole towns were lost. With deepest compassion, Jim

1st September 2005, 01:45 AM	#5
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	You're right, Jim. I'll also add this: http://www.redcross.org You might have trouble getting through. I took the money I was saving up to buy a sword and donated it for flood relief. Not much, but every little bit helps. F

1st September 2005, 02:28 AM	#6
John Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Land below the wind Posts: 135	I was watching both CNN and BBC last night and could not imagine the magnitude of disaster of this merciless hurricane. My heartfelt compassion for all victims and pray for a speedy recovery for all those affected.

1st September 2005, 04:36 AM	#7
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	I just finished an online conversation with an aquaintance who lived in New Orleans. Thankfully, he and his family are all safe, as they evacuated before the storm hit. He and his brother are paramedics and, using their credentials, suceeded in gaining access to the city to assess the damage to their home and to retrieve some belongings. They had the wisdom to arm themselves. He advises that the looting and crimes against people are being under-reported by the media. Armed mobs are roaming the few dry streets left in the city, and they personally witnessed multiple attacks, carjackings and shootings. They also saw bodies floating in the streets. They left without reaching their home. Martial law has been declared in New Orleans. A mandatory evacuation has been ordered, and convoys of vehicles are transporting refugees to the Houston Astrodome several hundred miles away for shelter. It is estimated the entire city will be unihabitable for months. Current estimates place the number of deaths in the thousands. I am overwhelmed. Godspeed to everyone touched by this tragedy.