The problem is likely that all forward staging areas were also destroyed.
Most people can survive a few days without creature comforts. Some can't. Each caregiving center is supposed to have a plan, and they probably did, but made wrong assumptions.
The federal government cannot be expected to know that some hospital on 7th street in new orleans has a generator in the basement that will flood if there is any levy break.
Until this happened, I presumed that the N.O. pumps were all either above sea level, or protected by waterproof walls. And that generators would be on the roof, and the water system would be protected.
Apparently not.
Why weren't the emergency chief there and the mayor ready with evacuation PLANS as soon as the news of the hurricane's path was evident?
Where were the orders to shoot at and put fear into looters made early on?
Where were the buses they knew would be needed kept at the ready...ie buses on loan from other towns...school buses etc....?
Why weren't the LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS out there EVERYDAY....DAYS before the storm stating that EVERYONE needs to leave...setting up stations for those without transportation to call.
I don't understand....I know hindsight is 20-20...but WHY did our President have to CALL the governor and mayor, two days before this storm and ask them to make a mandatory evacuation?
And why didn't they do it immediately and NOT WAIT until the DAY BEFORE?
I dunno........but ANYONE who accuses the Feds....who have been mobilized to HELP...but have had to leave hundreds of operations in the dust BECAUSE they are being SHOT AT...geeeez.
What........people want unarmed FEMA workers, volunteers, military delivering food in helicopters to TAKE BULLETS while they are helping?
I think the mayor and blanck knew their populations...which they had done nothing about...and were AFRAID of the very scenario we see unfolding...and that is WHY they took no action...hoping the STORM would miss them.