Hurricane Katrina Live Thread, Part IX

NOAA - NHC and Various ^ | 29 August 2005 | NOAA - NHC

[Gone GF]

At least that lady evacuated. I feel so sorry for those people who have been wiped out but cannot understand those who had the means and did not leave. I heard that 30 might be dead in one apartment building. Shades of Camille.

I was 15 when we drove though Biloxi a year after Camille. The area had been cleaned up, of course, but I was still haunted by block after block of steps leading to nothing and by the remaining wall of the Episcopal(??) church.

[mhking]

I got word that the two cousins of mine who were out in the country (they were in my ancestral home town of Ironton, down in Plaquemines Parish, about 30 miles or so south of New Orleans) actually did evacuate before the storm hit.

My grandfather heard from the other three cousins that I was worried about west of town yesterday morning. They were OK, but the area around the building they're in was flooded (they're on the 7th floor).

[Spiff]

I don't know if this has been reported yet - I just woke up and I haven't read the entire thread. Fox News reports that two people died in the SuperDome during the hurricance. Also, they report that the Mayor of New Orleans says that the city is 80% flooded. Further, they report that the water is still rising.

[Peach]

I'm glad your family is okay, mhking. As okay as they can be anyway, under the circumstances.

[lugsoul]

If true, that is amazing. That island has taken a number of direct and near-direct hits, but this storm 100 miles away may have done more damage than any of the previous ones.

The Mobile reporting seems to be saying it is worse than Ivan at D.I.

[cwiz24]

From www.dauphinislandtimes.com:

Here’s what we’ve heard so far, the morning after, about Dauphin Island and the effects from Hurricane Katrina: From the USAToday: Dauphin Island, with its long record of storm batterings, experienced flooding and some power poles and trees knocked down, but, “it’s still here,” said town clerk Ginger Simpson. “It’ll perk back up again. It may take awhile.” Rumors: The causeway is damaged, especially at the cutoff bridge. Officials are working to get one lane open to allow access to the island. More to come…

[Ingtar]

The canal runs from Lake Ponchatrain, through the city, and connects to the river on the other side. It has levees on both sides. From a map of the flooding, there have to be more breaches. The area east of the canal would not flood if only the west side levee failed. They got their flooding a day later than the original doomsday scenario, and at a somewhat lesser level, but they got it.

I am at a loss for how they can, or even if we should, rebuild New Orleans. No matter what can be devised, it is still a bowl with sides a bit above what can be very turbulent water.

[SE Mom]

Thank GOD they're ok. Will continue to pray for them...long road ahead.

Thanks for the update.

[Peach]

There were two islands that are gone. At least one of them had taken a hit last year in a hurricane which greatly compromised the island anyway.

We discussed this on the ATRW thread this morning...don't remember if it was a continuation of yesterday's thread or this mornings.

[Peach]

http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1472671/posts?page=232#232

[Proud 2BeTexan]

The old, infirm and handicapped probably never made it to the roofs. =(

[Peach]

Wow. That would be in direct contrast to reports we heard last night about Dauphin. But it would be great.

[LibSnubber]

Water continues to rise in NO. 11 inches/hour

Evac. patients from NO hospitals by boat which will take them to interstate and by ambulance to BR and other areas.

Tulane hosp. evac. critical children and babies by helicopter.

Ppl in Lafayette applying pressure to officials to open Cajun Dome and other shelters NOW.

Acadiana ppl can donate blood - needed badly.

Any pastors of churches in area can contact 225-499-WJBO; coordinating with Laf/BR churches to open makeshift shelters.

Evacuated residents DO NOT MOVE! You will only be stuck on highways.

LaPlace - CLOSED; no word on damage

River Ridge: things looking better there damage/water wise. High area BUT it is an island right now. NO WAY in or out.

Money donations still best way to help.
Red Cross 1-800-229-9191

[Diva]

While watching CNN last night (they have the best coverage-though it pains me to say)

I agree, we have family in NO and CNN seems to have more info, wonder if it is because the libs in NO have managed to lock Fox out of stories where recues are involved. Who knows for sure but I get tired of seeing the idiot male reporters standing in the wind (Fox, Waether Channel and CNN). I am in no way impressed with the Mayor of NO, the former Mayor Marc Morial seems to be able to string a sentence together, but Nagin hasn't a clue nor does it appear the Governor of LA. It's time to declare martial law so some decisions can be made.

[spectre]

I can't digest what all is going on.

People walking around in a daze..waiting to be rescued.

We don't know the extent of the destruction and loss of lives.

You can see a sheen of fuel surrounding cars submerged in water.. New Orleans is all but a ghost town for all intents and purposes. I am stunned.

[NautiNurse]

I'm posting a new thread in a few minutes with links.

[LikeLight]

Another house being consumed by flames - other houses nearby - all surrounded by flood water - no fire fighting response possible - trouble with a capital "T" . . . (live shots on FoxNews)

[Peach]

We knew it would be worse this morning, but not this much worse. I'm stunned.

[The Toll]

For those who helped me out with news yesterday thank you. I just got a message from my sister in Pascagoula that she is alright. She was able to pass a note to a friend who was making a run out of the zone and her friend called with the news. Heavy flooding, car is total loss, 1 foot of water in the house which is on blocks so about 5 feet of water total. Minor wind damage.
Very pleased and relieved. Good luck to others still waiting for news.

[Peach]

Some good news for your family thankfully.