About this blog
From Sept. 22-27, the posts in this blog about Rita's evacuation and devastation were reported and photographed by Bob Sullivan and Andrew Locke. Sullivan, 37, is MSNBC.com's technology and consumer fraud reporter. Locke, 34, in charge of MSNBC.com's editorial strategy, was on his second hurricane blog tour.
From Sept. 18-22, the posts in this blog, examining Katrina's impact on the environment, were reported and photographed by Miguel Llanos and David Friedman. Llanos, 45, is MSNBC.com's environmental reporter. Photojournalist Friedman, 35, is a multimedia producer at MSNBC.com.
From Sept. 10-16, the posts in this blog were reported and photographed by Kari Huus and Jim Seida. Huus, 43, has been a journalist for 20 years and a reporter with MSNBC.com since 1996. Seida, 39, has been a media editor with the Web site since 1996.
From Sept. 2-9, the posts in this blog were reported and photographed by Mike Brunker, left, and Andrew Locke. A journalist for 25 years, Brunker, 49, is MSNBC.com's West Coast news editor. Locke, 34, has been a journalist for 17 years and is currently in charge of MSNBC.com's editorial media strategy.
MOTHER NATURE IN A HURRY
TRACKBACKS
Can you open a site where those who have left and know there area has been hard hit, can log on and type in their address/location to see exactly how affected their area/neighborhood is? Especially for those living in outlying areas or very small communities??? Maybe that is already possible, but I can't find it online.........?
jan Dunnahoo (Sent Sep 25, 2005 3:08:48 PM)
I am trying to find information about Vidor Tx. I have relatives who have homes there. Have you seen anything in that area?
Kari Wilkins, Graham WA (Sent Sep 25, 2005 3:11:40 PM)
What is Bridge City like? My dad lives there
Robert Vincent, Colton Ca. (Sent Sep 25, 2005 3:15:43 PM)
Bob and Andrew, be safe and hope all turns out well in those "small towns" full of "big people with big hearts" and little neighborhoods with a Big Family atmosphere, where they looked after one another. Hopefully they all faired well and their pets too, and their horses, cows, etc.
Be safe and to everyone Assalamu alaykum (Peace be upon you)
The Harlow's, San Diego, California (Sent Sep 25, 2005 3:47:25 PM)
you said that the power is still out in many areas. do you know anything about spring texas? is there power and how is access in and out of there?
ace, spring texas (Sent Sep 25, 2005 3:58:10 PM)
How was DeRidder, LA effected? I have friends - an Episcopal priest and his wife - who are there and I worry about them
Leigh Price; Port Orchard (Seattle) WA (Sent Sep 25, 2005 4:02:34 PM)
i am trying to find out how bad bridge city was hit i just moved to indiana from there a year ago and i have lots of friends that live there and can't get a hold of no one!! i am worried and need to find them, but there is not much on the news about this town, please inform me about this small town thank you
jennifer gunter, portage, indiana (Sent Sep 25, 2005 4:03:35 PM)
I was just going to say that my grandpa use to live in Texas just outside of Huston until he was tragically killed. I want to say to all of the people that survived hurricane Katrina as well as Rita that may God be with you and your families. If anyone got seperated from there beloved families we pray that they find each other. The people that think that they know the true meaning of a tragedy needs to think about all of those people that was either murdered, or taken away by the storm, or robbed of what little they have left and all of those people out there that is looting please for the love of the man upstairs stop all of the violence and let's become a nation again. When i was driving to work this morning i was thinking about all of the tragedy's that we've gone through and then a song came on from the Black Eyed Peas and it's the song about "Where is the love" and it goes on describing everything and i was crying so hard that i had to pull ove because that song is so vey true People LET"S FIND THE LOVE AGAIN PLEASE!!!!
Sincerly Amanda k
Amanda k Sea- Tac Wash (Sent Sep 25, 2005 4:15:52 PM)
I am trying to find out about how Nederland withstood the storm. My mom lives on Elgin in Nederland. It is about two streets behind the windmill. Does anybody know how Nederland is?
Mari Blackwell, Los Angeles Ca (Sent Sep 25, 2005 4:19:01 PM)
Would like information on Leesville/Ft. Polk, LA and Warren, TX. I have close family in both areas. There has been no news coverage and all the phone lines are down.
Jessie, Alabama (Sent Sep 25, 2005 4:21:16 PM)
On behalf of all Bangaloreans (People who live in the important IT city of the world, Bangalore, India), I wish that all people affected by both Katrina and Rita are able to bear the impact, brace the situation as a message from mother nature and move on in their life.
It is easier said than done...but that is 'Karma'.
In this critical hour everybody needs to pray for others well being and console oneself that God has been kind so that we all do good to others. This credit a lot of good wishes in our 'Bank Account with God'.... the super natural power by what ever name one wants to call.
It is the hour for expressing selflessness, love, care, concern and most importantly, sacrifice. It may seem that it is not necessary or you feel would be giving away even what little that you have....but, it is only in giving that you get.
God bless all and may all have peace, love and a satisfying F A M I L Y life.
Family is the most important unit of society. Happiness, respect, concern and love with a lot of humility and sacrifice, paves the way for the future happiness in the current context.
Retain the family bonds and it will go a long way. Love without expecting anything in return, love because you feel love, is true love...this requires a lot of selflessness and humility.
Anil Kumar (Sent Sep 25, 2005 4:21:58 PM)
Thanks guys, for venturing out to be our eyes. When you have info on Nederland or Port Neches, could you report back? Really interested in the Merriman and Gulf Ave. area, as well as, Merriman and Meadowgreen. Thanks for all you do!! jb
JB, Austin, Texas (Sent Sep 25, 2005 4:23:34 PM)
Do you know anything about how "Little Cypress" in Orange TX is after the storm?? My sister's house is on N Hwy 87 -----she lives in England ...her boys left for Teague when they evacuated..they are safe thank GOD !!! But she is so worried about her house...if you get any info on this area PLEASE let me know...thankyou !! Patti
patti ross fort worth, TX (Sent Sep 25, 2005 4:32:42 PM)
I hope you two stay safe in the after math of the hurricane. Give my best wishes to the victims.
Chance Graff, St. Louis, Missouri (Sent Sep 25, 2005 4:40:10 PM)
Does anyone know anything about Cameron Parish, Louisiana, especially the Big Lake and Grand Lake area. That is where I live and we have been told to expect the worst. Some of my family didn't get out. Please help if you know anything.
Chris Monceaux, Natchitoches, LA (Sent Sep 25, 2005 4:45:37 PM)
I need info on Orange, TX - my hometown. My family did evacuate but there is no coverage of my small city of 20,000. All we need is pictures or video- many of my friends and family who got out have no idea what they will be returning to. Thank you.
Chris, Austin, TX (Sent Sep 25, 2005 4:53:09 PM)
My family is from Vidor. Fortunately they were able to evacuate but we've not heard anything but rumors since they left. Can you find out how bad the damage is? Did the fire department really collapse? I'm also hearing about friends who lost the homes? Can you get us some footage? PLEASE!!
Renee Delaney, Meadville, PA (Sent Sep 25, 2005 5:16:09 PM)
I evacuated early to stay with realtives in Warren Texas (30 miles north of Beaumont). By the time the storm turned and headed straight for us, Hwy 69 was gridlocked, 5 hours to go 15 miles. My family and I decided to ride out the storm. It hit us dead on. The trees all toppeled over or snapped in half. We are all ok but the town is a disaster. No electricity for weeks they said and all grocery stores were closed and water and food were running out quick. I headed back to Houston and I am home safe. After traveling to East Texas to avoid the storm and ending up in the eye, my heart goes out more to those people who wer stuck in traffic jams having nervous break downs and the millions of people feeling helpless and trapped. When news media says "everyone must get out now", how can you be surprised that everyone does not fit on the freeway at the same time. The news media and radio disk jockies that people listen to, must be accountable for their actions. Only officiales should direct people on evacuations and not the disk jocki making everyone panic.
Jim (Sent Sep 25, 2005 5:24:15 PM)
Info on my family and friends in Leeisvill/Ft Polk, Natchitoches, Many, Zwolle, & Ajax LA. These area's were in the path of Rita. They area are in the northwest section of LA, close to the TX border. Do you have any pictures, and will you be traveling to this place soon? Please sent me any info.
Thank you, Angels of Com (AOC)
Betty Jones (Sent Sep 25, 2005 5:55:04 PM)
To the Citizens of East Texas and West Louisiana you have my best wishes.
To the Media you guys have worked hard to bring us the pictures of what is really going on.
However, I must wonder openly about our government officals not wanting to expose the harsh reality that Rita brought to the area. It seems that they are more interested in looking like they did a good job instead of rushing into Cameron, Louisiana regardless of the cost.
Henry Schlatman Raleigh NC (Sent Sep 25, 2005 8:08:23 PM)
Several Lamar students are wondering if anyone has any info on how the dorms, and other buildings at Lamar U. fared, and if the administration has any info on when classes might resume, pending electricity, water, etc.
carla, alpine, texas (Sent Sep 25, 2005 8:14:15 PM)
Need info on Sulpher, La. The Maplewood sub-division.
Also info when we can go check out our home.
Karen Schulz (Sent Sep 25, 2005 9:07:30 PM)
We have family in the gulf coast, some who evacuated, some who did not. We are very concerned about our Uncle John Boyd, who did NOT evacuate from Pt. Neches, TX, we also need information about Pt. Neches, Groves and Pt. Arthur, specifically neiborhoods. Our evacuees are VERY concerned about their homes. Is there any place to get specifics on neighborhoods? Thanks for any help.
Judy Sconiers, Cheyenne, WY (Sent Sep 25, 2005 9:42:49 PM)
My grandson is with relatives in rural Kountze. He has been able to call and let me know he is alright. They are very concerned about the future as the only "help" has been helicopters flying over. They have generators but will soon run out of fuel. Very depressing to all. It is supposed to be six weeks before power is restored. He tried to get to his apartment in Lumberton but was not allowed to go in. FEMA officials have set up shop where the people are not allowed to go. I wish there was something I could do.
Betty Raccagno, Walnut, KS (Sent Sep 25, 2005 11:35:48 PM)
is there any news about Shreveport La. I have some family up there and I haven't heard from them if you have any info, please e-mail me... and my best wishes go out to the family and friends, I'm very sorry for thoughs who have been lost..
my e-mail is kinky_freestyle_lette@yahoo.com
Shantel, Rock Springs, Wyo (Sent Sep 25, 2005 11:49:07 PM)
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