Posted on 08/30/2005 9:00:53 PM PDT by Cecily
Charities and the federal government launched what aid agencies predicted could be the longest and costliest relief effort in U.S. history, as workers began arriving last night in states devastated by Hurricane Katrina, and as the U.S. military organized an intensive response by already stretched National Guard and active duty forces.
The American Red Cross, working in concert with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, called its plan to house and feed tens of thousands of people its biggest response to a single natural disaster in the organization's 124-year history. With deep flooding that may not recede for weeks in areas across three states, charities said thousands could remain homeless for more than a year and that the rebuilding would probably take even longer.
"This disaster response is going to exceed our response to last year's back-to-back four hurricanes" in Florida, said Red Cross spokeswoman Devorah Goldburg. That effort included serving 16.5 million meals and providing the equivalent of 430,000 nights of shelter. "We're anticipating that Katrina will exceed those numbers."
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
On DRUDGE:
NAVY SHIPS AND MARITIME RESCUE TEAMS SENT TO REGION
Tue Aug 30 2005 21:33:11 ET
The Pentagon late Tuesday ordered five Navy ships and eight maritime rescue teams to the Gulf Coast to bolster relief operations as worsening conditions overwhelmed the initial response.
The NEW YORK TIMES plans to report later tonight: One Navy amphibious assault ship, the Bataan, with six Sea Stallion and Sea Hawk helicopters that could be used for search and rescue missions.
The ships will carry food, fuel, medical and construction supplies, as well as hovercraft that can be used for evacuation and search-and-rescue missions.
The Navy was also considering sending the hospital ship Comfort.
Time to break out the checkbooks for our favorite charities.
Something tells me few will be able to afford it.
Write some history. You watch.
Fox just said another 8000 National Guardsmen are on the way, too.
AS HURRICANE KATRINA ROCKS GULF, CATHOLIC CHARITIES PREPARES FOR MASSIVE RELIEF EFFORT
Better do something BDQ as hurricance seasons at its peak......need I say more?
"U.S. military organized an intensive response by already stretched National Guard and active duty forces."
"Already stretched." The WaPo just had to get that in there, didn't they? Their lack of confidence in the American people and the military is just disgusting.
"hurricance seasons at its peak"
Amen...another hurricane anywhere near MS/LA increases the risk more levies will break. And keep the port/refineries of Houston and the TX coast in your prayers, too...they're more vital than ever right now.
I'm not all that computer literate..Can someone start up thread listing all Charitable Organization out there from where contributions can be made.
We given to Salvation Army but I would like a list of other places to give when extra money is available.
Thank you all for your help.
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