posted on September 4, 2005 10:39:25 AM new
Blame someone other than Pres Bush for NOT evacuating NO in time.
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New Orleans orders evacuation
Hurricane Katrina's winds nearly 175 mph
Sunday, August 28, 2005; Posted: 11:47 a.m. EDT (15:47 GMT)
NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (CNN) -- New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin declared a state of emergency on Sunday and ordered a mandatory evacuation of the city as Hurricane Katrina churned toward the city with maximum sustained winds of nearly 175 mph.
All of Orleans Parish falls under the order except for necessary personnel in government, emergency and some other public service categories.
People who are unable to evacuate were told to immediately report to a designated shelter.
"I wish I had better news for you, but we are facing a storm that most of us have feared," Nagin said. "I do not want to create panic, but I do want the citizens to understand that this is very serious and it's of the highest nature."
Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco said that President Bush had called and urged the state to order the evacuation.
About 485,000 people live in the city, and many began evacuating before sunrise.
Blanco said that westbound traffic was heavy and that the state police was urging people to travel to the north or east.
Shelters have been set up at 10 sites, including the Superdome, for people who cannot leave the city for medical or other reasons, but Nagin said they should be used only as a "last resort." (See video from New Orleans, where not all are ready to leave)
He said people who must stay in the shelter should bring enough food, water and supplies to last several days.
I gave my liberal neighbors son a book for his birthday. He went crazy trying to find where to put the batteries.
[ edited by Bear1949 on Sep 4, 2005 10:40 AM ]
posted on September 4, 2005 10:57:14 AM new
Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco said that President Bush had called and urged the state to order the evacuation.
Now you've done it, Bear. This will really enrage mingotree, et. al!! lol!
posted on September 4, 2005 12:02:57 PM new
I don't blame Bush as much as FEMA, although I think Bush could have shown a bit more compassion in overseeing that things were done correctly.
posted on September 4, 2005 04:04:43 PM new
Man, and its not even his job. It is the Gov's job to call a state of emergency, and let the feds know.
I did hear him last weekend telling people to get out. Now I wondered why we didn't see or hear from LA's Gov, Senators or even N.O.'s Mayor, not till 4 days later..........
And yes, FEMA is to blame also, they should have jumped right in before the hurricane hit.
posted on September 4, 2005 05:08:39 PM new
Hello ... I'm back from Katrina's wrath. 6 days of no electricity, 3 days of no water and intermittent phone services.
I am shocked at all the cribbing and blame over who hasn't done what or how slow its all been for all the people in the effected areas.
Reality Bite....Its a huge area that is damaged. It has effected millions.
I have no complaints. I am in a rural "wide spot in the road" of Mississippi. Firstly all my family is safe. Secondly, aid and assistance has been available at the city, county, state and federal level as soon as it was safe to go into the effected areas.
This storm hit the costal area Sunday night August 28th. Hurricane force winds didn't die down until Monday night August 29th. Until those winds abetted, rescue personnel could not go out. Tuesday afternoon August 30th, FEMA through the state and county levels had ice and drinking water distribution in my little rural community. Relief personnel and supplies were coming in even before search and rescue and damage assessments had been completed.
I have had power for about 3 hours. In that time I have been watching the news reports about the damage, the death, the violence, the evacuations, the homeless.
What you are seeing reported on television is the worst of the worst of a tremendously devistating natural disaster. I haven't seen any reports of the good, the neighbor helping neighbor, the unselfish sacrifices.... NOTHING GOOD. Believe me, the good far over shadows the worst you are seeing on Fox or CNN.
NO, I didn't get enough ice to keep my freezers from ruining. NO, I didn't get enough drinking water to fill up the swimming hole. Nobody put me up in a Hilton with a/c and room service.
However, my family surrived and we made it through the worst event I have ever personally experienced thanks to the dedication and hard work of city, county, state and federal systems. I thank my lucky stars for those programs being in place and the rapid response that is continuing to bring in those supplies for the people in need. My heartfelt thanks to all the utility personnel from all over the US who converged and have been working their guts out 24/7 to restore services.
I have turned the television off. I think not knowing what was and is being reported to the rest of the United States and the world is best.
This isn't a political event. This isn't the time to blame people, agencies and governments. THIS IS THE TIME WHEN WE ALL NEED TO PULL TOGETHER AND HELP OUR FELLOW MAN.
posted on September 4, 2005 05:23:37 PM new
Hi Chimpchamp, glad to hear you and your family are well.
Youre right,you know. It's not about politics.
IMO, it was a natural disaster -- nobody could have prevented it. Everybody trying to fingerpoint blame isnt doing any good at this point.
posted on September 4, 2005 05:46:32 PM new
It is good to hear you made it through, and you and your family are OK.
Now that you are back and obviously have access to radio, computer, tv, etc. I hope at least the message is getting through to ALL of you down there that our hearts go out to you and our thoughts are with you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Caroline
Caroline