Hurricane Katrina Disaster Updates

[Casshew]

Just because they are AK-47's doesn't mean they are automatic, in fact I'm sure they are semi-auto's as Walmart doesn't sell full auto's.

oh well, phew... thats okay then

 

[jubie]

Once a person is ill with one of these deseases are they then contagiuos?


It is all so sad.

Jubie

 

[concernedperson]

oh well, phew... thats okay then

I am usually without military intervention but in this case it is needed. This is a really bad problem. We need to get people out of hospitals there. We need to know that the most vulnerable are protected and then we can deal with the looters.

 

[Shadow205]

Just because they are AK-47's doesn't mean they are automatic, in fact I'm sure they are semi-auto's as Walmart doesn't sell full auto's. Full auto's are hard to get anyway, you'd have to pay a tax to get one, not even sure what the law is in NO but they may be illegal. Anyway, if the actual looters stole them, I hope they get shot. However, if people are grabbing guns to protect their belongings, I see no problem with that.

I can understand people going into the stores to get things needed to survive, but the ones taking flat screen TV's and DVD players should be shot. I haven't heard anything about people's homes getting looted in NO, but if they are looting homes, they should be shot as well.

This is why people stock up on ammo and guns for situations like this. They are on their own and have to defend themselves and their property. The cops can't help, National Guard doesn't have it under control yet. Everyone has to watch out for themselves because sadly , we have many "oppressed" looters that think this is a big party.

God bless all of those people, not only in NO, but AL, and MS as well.

I didn't say that they were fully automatic, however at this point I don't think that it really matters. Weapons are in the hands of the wrong prople and they are using them against innocent citizens. There have been repports on Fox news of innocent prople who have remained in their homes being robbed at gun point inside their homes.

 

[mysteriew]

ABC is running a 1 hr special on Katrina 10PM.

 

[jubie]

This is all starting to sound an awful lot like war. What's next? Rape? Murder? Those 10,000 new NGs can't get there fast enough.



Jubie

 

[nanandjim]

Does anyone think that much of this disaster could have been prevented had the state ensured that the levees were strong enough to withstand a Cat 5 hurricane?

It seems to me that they didn't want to spend the extra money to make sure they had a strong system in place.

Instead, it will now cost billions to recover.

 

[concernedperson]

Does anyone think that much of this disaster could have been prevented had the state ensured that the levees were strong enough to withstand a Cat 5 hurricane?

It seems to me that they didn't want to spend the extra money to make sure they had a strong system in place.

Instead, it will now cost billions to recover.

I can say so much but it wouldn't do any good right now. I just pray for the survivors. And I hope that someone is watching this and will act appropriately. Too many to be saved and too many to be reacclaimated.We need to spend American dollars on American soil right now.

 

[LadyLuck]

My heart breaks at what I am seeing on tv. I guess I just do not understand how we can put people in space but can not get water and food to those who need it. We can not get the people out of the hospitals before they die. There has to be a way to help.

 

[nanandjim]

...We need to spend American dollars on American soil right now.

I think that is what President Bush outlined today in his brief speech. My point was that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

I wasn't trying to get political.

 

[LDC]

Benefits for hurricane victims

CNN) -- Victims of Hurricane Katrina will be getting a little help from celebrities.
NBC Universal has scheduled "A Concert for Hurricane Relief," an hourlong show that will air Friday on NBC, MSNBC and CNBC, the company announced in a press release Wednesday.

The concert will include country singer Tim McGraw, pianist and singer Harry Connick Jr. and jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, all Louisiana natives. Matt Lauer will host.

Viewers will be encouraged to donate to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund in support of hurricane relief, according to the press release.

MTV, VH1 and CMT announced a relief campaign that will kick off Saturday, September 10, with a special featuring such acts as the Dave Matthews Band, Alicia Keys, John Mellencamp, Ludacris, Green Day, David Banner, Rob Thomas, Gretchen Wilson and Linkin Park's Chester Bennington.

http://www.cnn.com/2005/SHOWBIZ/08/31/katrina.concert/index.html

 

[Details]

Does anyone think that much of this disaster could have been prevented had the state ensured that the levees were strong enough to withstand a Cat 5 hurricane?

It seems to me that they didn't want to spend the extra money to make sure they had a strong system in place.

Instead, it will now cost billions to recover.

I don't know for sure, but I suspect to create levees strong enough for a cat 5 might well have cost billions. And it'd take probably 5-10 years. I think they'll do something stronger now, but it's hard to get the money spent when you don't know if you'll ever be hit - everyone probably figured that the old levees had always done the job, so they'd be good enough - or at least good enough compared to spending a few billion to fix them.

 

[mysteriew]

I worked with fire victims and some floods for a few years. From what I remember-
Initially, they have to find a way to get around the physical challenges. Work their way around the water, fallen trees, housing debris, gas lines, etc.
Then they will try to search out and find survivors. We think "oh, why did they leave those people on that place, and take those people out right away". When survivors are found the location is noted, an assessment is done for their safety- if desperate they are taken out immediately, but if ok for even a few hours they will move on- searching for others. The second wave of rescuers will pick them up. Eventually, as all survivors are found- they will be gathered in one central place for evac. The work for the searchers is not only exhausting physically and emotionally, but dangerous. And no matter how many times they are told that their safety is paramount- they will go over and beyond the dangers in order to make a rescue. Third wave of rescuers will pick up from the central groups. As fast as they can pick them up- others will be moved in to wait for pick-up. They are moving as quickly as they can. Without rest, little food. They are using what equipment they were able to save, and any they can "find". Many haven't seen or heard from their own homes. Some may not have heard of their own families.
Some people they rescue will be grateful. Some will be angry that they weren't rescued sooner.
One of the things you will hear over and over- I am just so grateful. These people have lost everything. Yet they know if they came out alive- with intact families, then they have something to be grateful for. You won't hear of the complaints. Complaining that they had to sit on the roof of their house for 4-5 hrs while rescuers passed them by. The reason the rescuers passed them by- was to rescue the ones clinging to trees, and in collapsing houses.
Everywhere they look- they see too much to do, too many to save, and they feel very much alone. They call for equipment they need- as do all of the other teams- it takes time to get it to them. Or the equipment they need may not be available, or no one free to take it to them.

 

[SandyBee]

I didn't say that they were fully automatic,

Originally Posted by Shadow205
I am afraid that this nightmare has just begun. The mob mentality is going to take over and more people will die. There are people refusing to leave the city to go to TX. What are they going to do with them? There are people roaming the streets with automatic weapons and they aren't the police. I'm afraid we ain't seen nothin yet.

however at this point I don't think that it really matters. Weapons are in the hands of the wrong prople and they are using them against innocent citizens. There have been repports on Fox news of innocent prople who have remained in their homes being robbed at gun point inside their homes.

There are people in Chicago that are robbed at gun point inside their homes every day. Sadly, because of certain laws, people can't protect themselves or their property from criminals. Weapons are always in the hands of the wrong people everywhere it won't change any time soon.

I don't want to turn this into any debate (I promise! ) but this is why most folks own guns, for when SHTF. It makes me angry to see hoodlums looting innocent people. They could be spending that time trying to help out their fellow citizens. True pond scum comes out of the woodwork in situations like this, sadly.

I'm not too sure about rebuilding until they can figure out a way to prevent this from happening ever again. I think that's doubtful. The entire city has lots of corrosion and has been slowly sinking. I would think now is the time to rebuild the whole city on concrete above sea level, or to a different area. I can't see them building anything 100% fool proof, so that whole city will always have a potential for disaster.

I just can't believe the magnitude of all of this, it's heartbreaking and shocking.

 

[mysteriew]

The workers in the shelters. They see the little kids, so scared. Adults who are crying. Some who just sit there, immovable. Some families draw together. Some don't. The workers pass out food, try to keep the calm. Keep records of who is there, so as to faciliate getting families back together. Keep the peace.
The shelters are noisy, no privacy, They may have cots, they may be sleeping on the floor. (We always had cots, but pillows were in short supply). Food and water will be in short supply until a supply line gets established, but the shelters will get priority when it becomes available. Another plus in the shelter- that is where you find out info- about your family, your neighbors, your neighborhood as word passes from rescuers, rescued, and officials.
There is not much to do there- pass gossip about rumors, play cards, kids play games. There is no where to go, and nothing to do. Except think and worry. And be aggravated by what the family on the cots next to you are doing.

 

[Dark Knight]

Man accused of killing sister over bag of ice

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (AP) - Police in Hattiesburg, Mississippi,
say a man fatally shot his sister in the head over a bag of ice.
Police Chief David Wynn says Antonio Page shot his sister with a
handgun on a street corner on Tuesday night.
Wynn says in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, tempers are short.
Still, he says he can't understand the shooting.

 

[mysteriew]

For those in the area, or for those who are planning to shelter evacuee's- People are looking for other people. BillyGoatGruff has started a thread in the missing forum where we have posted some info about blogs who are trying to reunite people from Katrina.
http://websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?p=788268#post788268
It is important right now to connect families, and get the word out about neighbors or relatives to friends/family who may be looking for them and don't know where to find them.

 

[LinasK]

I worked with fire victims and some floods for a few years. From what I remember-
Initially, they have to find a way to get around the physical challenges. Work their way around the water, fallen trees, housing debris, gas lines, etc.
Then they will try to search out and find survivors. We think "oh, why did they leave those people on that place, and take those people out right away". When survivors are found the location is noted, an assessment is done for their safety- if desperate they are taken out immediately, but if ok for even a few hours they will move on- searching for others. The second wave of rescuers will pick them up. Eventually, as all survivors are found- they will be gathered in one central place for evac. The work for the searchers is not only exhausting physically and emotionally, but dangerous. And no matter how many times they are told that their safety is paramount- they will go over and beyond the dangers in order to make a rescue. Third wave of rescuers will pick up from the central groups. As fast as they can pick them up- others will be moved in to wait for pick-up. They are moving as quickly as they can. Without rest, little food. They are using what equipment they were able to save, and any they can "find". Many haven't seen or heard from their own homes. Some may not have heard of their own families.
Some people they rescue will be grateful. Some will be angry that they weren't rescued sooner.
One of the things you will hear over and over- I am just so grateful. These people have lost everything. Yet they know if they came out alive- with intact families, then they have something to be grateful for. You won't hear of the complaints. Complaining that they had to sit on the roof of their house for 4-5 hrs while rescuers passed them by. The reason the rescuers passed them by- was to rescue the ones clinging to trees, and in collapsing houses.
Everywhere they look- they see too much to do, too many to save, and they feel very much alone. They call for equipment they need- as do all of the other teams- it takes time to get it to them. Or the equipment they need may not be available, or no one free to take it to them.

Mysteriew, thank-you for this post although it has me worried for someone I know. A father of a little girl who goes to pre-school with my daughter is a firefighter who just left today to help out with Katrina. They have no idea when he'll be back, or where exactly he'll even be staying. I hope he returns safely soon. He's a really nice guy. He came and showed all the children his firefighting gear and let them try it on...

 

[CaliKid]

My daughter's ex-boyfriend lives in Louisiana- either New Orleans or Baton Rouge. I hope he's okay.

I feel so badly for the military personnel stationed in Iraq who left families behind and have no idea what's going on or if they're okay. I think it would be great if these service-people were allowed to return home.

 

[Dark Knight]

http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=Aq48xQ...N0b3J5/SIG=10rbjkhqd/**http://help.yahoo.com/
http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=Ajd49A...N0b3J5/SIG=10rm1k7vf/**http://news.yahoo.com/

Americans Send Donations for Storm Victims

By GILLIAN FLACCUS, Associated Press Writer


Thousands of Americans reached out to victims of Hurricane Katrina on Wednesday as pictures of the storm-ravaged Gulf Coast overwhelmed living rooms and offices across the country. From churches to ballparks and radio stations to train stations, efforts to help were under way.

Substitute teacher Liliette Pena watched TV images of the devastation wrought by Katrina until she could watch no more. She turned to her checkbook.

"It's heart wrenching," Pena said, stifling sobs as she waited to donate $100 at a Red Cross center at Dodger Stadium. "I'd like to think that if anything like that happened to Los Angeles, people back East would do the same thing."

Many givers, like Pena, reached for their wallets. Others packed their bags and prepared to join the stream of civilian doctors, nurses, paramedics, morticians and veterinarians headed south.

Still more opened their restaurants, churches and even bowling allies for impromptu fund-raisers for stricken friends and relatives — some still missing days after Katrina passed by.

The Red Cross had collected $21 million, nearly $15 million of that from individual donations through its Web site, Red Cross spokeswoman Kara Bunte said. Some insisted on making their donations in person.

"I just felt the situation down in New Orleans is something that can happen anywhere in the world and I wanted to be a part of the whole thing," said Los Angeles electrician Barry Durham. "I wanted to be more personal about it."

The help came from individuals, Fortune 500 companies, sports stars and entertainers.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce said initial corporate donations to the relief effort could total more than $100 million, including $5 million from Chevron Corp., $3 million each from JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Citigroup, $2 million from Pfizer Inc. and $1 million from insurer State Farm.

The Walt Disney Co. contributed $2.5 million, $1 million of which will go to the American Red Cross and the rest for rebuilding efforts and volunteer centers helping affected communities.

Nissan North America sent 50 trucks. Anheuser-Busch offered more than 825,000 cans of water. Sprint Nextel Corp. donated 3,000 walkie talkie-type phones for emergency personnel.

Seven truckloads of crackers and cookies were on the way thanks to Kellogg Co. Two dozen cars and trucks were offered by General Motors Corp. Home Depot and Lowe's pledged cash and manpower, while Culligan International sent five truckloads of water.

More than 100 tractor trailers from as far away as California and Wisconsin were on their way to aid Katrina's victims in southwest Alabama with food, water, ice and blankets.

"It's a good feeling to help. They don't have food, no water, blankets or anything," said driver Tim Cupp, who is ready to deliver a truck full of Meals-Ready-to-Eat. "It's hard to put yourself in their shoes."

Governors across the nation pledged to send troops, doctors and engineers. They also opened their schools for any displaced students who couldn't afford to lose a semester on their way to a college degree.

Recalling the national support given South Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Hugo in 1989, Gov. Mark Sanford said, "we're ready to return the favor." The state's National Guard was pulling together a military police company, a water purification company and a transport unit to be sent to the coast.

Smaller efforts have also begun. At Ragin' Cajun, a popular Creole restaurant in Hermosa Beach, Calif., the Domingue family — natives of Lafayette, La. — collected more than $550 to help a friend's business that was wiped out by flood waters.



In Pensacola, Fla., Richard and Sarah Trimble left their own storm-damaged home to drive to Mississippi to help feed victims of Katrina. They were with more than 100 members of two faith-based organizations who set out in a 31-truck convoy that included mobile kitchens and showers.

"We get more out of it than the people we serve," said 68-year-old Chester Gunn, of Brandon, Fla. "To see the people standing in front of you with tears running down their eyes and saying 'Thank you' — that's something that money can't buy."

Telethons reminiscent of benefits for tsunami and Sept. 11 victims were announced Wednesday featuring artists such as Wynton Marsalis, John Mellencamp, the Dave Matthews Band and Green Day. Jerry Lewis' annual Labor Day fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association will also appeal for donations to hurricane victims. The MDA said it would contribute $1 million.

The world of sports jumped in, as well, with the National Football League and New York Yankees each donating $1 million to the American Red Cross. Tennis player Serena Williams offered to donate $100 for every ace she hits the rest of the year.

In Detroit, the owners of Community Bowling Centers planned to donate 50 percent of their revenue from three counties during a Labor Day bowl-a-thon. And Florida State University asked fans to donate during a football game Monday against rival Miami.

In Green Bay, Wis., star NFL quarterback Brett Favre spoke emotionally about the devastation in his boyhood home of Kiln, Miss. He said the Packers flew relief supplies to Tennessee on the team plane for distribution in Hattiesburg, Miss., and further south.

"It's devastating," said Favre, who added that 50 friends and relatives were camped out at his Hattiesburg home. "The Gulf Coast is gone."



On the Net:

FEMA Charity tips: http://www.fema.gov/rrr/help2.shtm