Tomorrow, 29 August, is the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's landfall at New Orleans. Although the storm had by that time weakened to a category 3 hurricane, Katrina would wreak unprecedented havoc across New Orleans and the adjacent Gulf coast. Direct storm damage was severe, if not total in several districts. The flooding in the Big Easy stuck in mind most prominently. And it brought about a distinct shift in my personal view of the USA, one that has continued to date.
I could not understand how a slab of concrete, with an earthen dyke on either side, is supposed to keep out a 15 foot storm surge flood. Why didn't they talk to the Dutch, masters at controlling water, to the English, who built the Thames Flood barrier? It was a humiliating disgrace. Humiliating, because not only were the flood defences pathetically inadequate, but the care for residents paltry. Those that could get away, did so. Those that could not - well, were left to drown. I cannot forget the image of the prison inmates on a freeway on-ramp, surrounded by water, exposed to the sun. I cannot forget the images of the wreckage of Biloxi - wreckage which was still there months later. I don't think much has been done for those who lost everything. I don't think everybody that was rehomed across the 52 states of the Union has returned to New Orleans and the rest of the Gulf Coast.
Hurricane Katrina was a powerful storm, and sometimes there is nothing man can do to counteract the force of nature. The flooding of communities like Biloxi was probably inevitable. But to see such a disgraceful flood defence, knowing that much better is available, and affordable to one of the richest and powerful nations on earth? To see how the authorities sat down and cried for three whole days, before they got their backsides into gear. To see how the poor and dispossessed were left to fend for themselves. What an utter disgrace that was.
Yes, this is a hard hitting entry, and uncomfortable reading to some. I have a lot of time for America, and admire the many achievements made in its 230 year history. That is probably why I write the way I did above.
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ReplyDeleteLet's pray we never see another one like that one. Take care!
Joyce
Since I don't live in an area of the US that's prone to such storms, I can't understand why people that do live there aren't better prepared. It's crazy to live in a mobile home in a tornado or hurricane zone, for instance. We do have frequent floods along the rivers here in western Washington & it's not uncommon for the people to be flooded out of their homes & then come back and build again in the same spot, only to be flooded out again in 2 or 3 years. It's crazy! Linda in Washington state
ReplyDeleteLouisiana, New Orleans, took pride in thier ill formed levy. There was a song that was a huge success about 25 years ago about someone coming down from up North telling them it had to be three feet higher, and an old man down in the quarter telling them not to listen to that boy. "That high black water, she's the devils daughter, she's hard and she's cold and she's mean. But we finally taught her it takes a lot of water to wash away New Orleans." I don't think any plans that were made in advance took into account the levy failing. It's failure caused most of the destressing sights in New Orleans in the aftermath.
ReplyDeleteIs it up to the government to give me a new home if mine is destroyed? Shelter, yes. A totally free rebuilt home, I can't see it. I think in the beginning Louisianna's officials didn't ask for enough help soon enough. A lot of the apathy and frustration in the government and citizens to help came in the aftermath...as things wore on. As misuse, abuse, greed and dishonesty were revealed. As the U.S. soon got hit again with Rita and so many of the communities effected still harboring Katrina refugees.
Barbara
I agree it was a moment of shame for the US, we were definetly overwhelmed. Woe be to us that live in the earthquake zone, I think. When the big one happens, I'm afraid we'll be on our own. There are good people here that try to help, like the Red Cross and thus, buy the government nearly always fails in some way because of the red tape. Alot of private parties have went down to that area and have done a lot of good for those people. Joni
ReplyDeleteA majority, if not all, whom I know and talk with personally here in the U.S. feel similarly, Guido. As I mentioned in DPoem's blog, I do know that some agencies did well (USCG and NOAA, plus perhaps some local governments and such). Overall? Shaking my head. It is painful and sad, and it's been 2 years already. Only so many have gone home. Admittedly, some may like it where they are now, but at least have more realistic option to go home. Your entry with the photos, the one in The Washington Post earlier this week that I showed my daughter (blank field with a fence and steps in the front), other images, still haunt us.
ReplyDeleteThat whole thing is being handled so shabbily. It's shameful in this country! I live in earthquake country and if something like that happens here we are doomed! I fear that there will be no help from anyone! So we pray that it never happens.
ReplyDeletePam
I hope to God that this never ever happens again. Its a disgrace that a lot of the residents of Biloxi and New Orleans are still waiting to be re-homed so long after the disaster. Would it still be the cse if this disaster happened in New York or Boston? I think not! The rest of the world have a very poor view on what happened in the deep south during and after this flood.
ReplyDeleteJeanie