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August 30, 2005
Devastation
As the reports trickle in from the central Gulf Coast, it is becoming clear that Hurricane Katrina is an utter catastrophe for the people of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.
Levies have broken in New Orleans, and as much as 80% of the city may now be under water. Gulfport, MS has basically been destroyed and nearby Biloxi has also suffered tremendous damage. Mobile, AL fared better, but also has significant damage. Still unknown is the fate of the many smaller communities in between the cities.
The death toll will likely be in the hundreds (at least), and thousands of people have materially lost everything. Katrina will likely be the worst natural disaster in American history, certainly, in terms of loss of life, since the Galveston flood over a hundred years ago.
As always in these situations, it is the poor and elderly who are the most vulnerable and worst affected. We suspect many of the deaths will be among those who simply did not have the means to get out of the storm's path.
It's time for that characteristic American generosity so evident after 9-11 and the South Asian tsunami. Remember your fellow Americans folks, and help them.
Posted by houtopia at August 30, 2005 10:25 AM