On the ground and into the crowd
Posted: Saturday, September 10 at 03:39 am CT by Kari Huus
BATON ROUGE, La. –- After dozens of phone calls to airlines and hotels, and e-mail to'ing and fro’ing by many people at MSNBC.com, we settle on Louisiana’s capital to take the Katrinablog baton from our colleagues. It was immediately clear than many others had the same idea.
This city, some 50 miles northwest of New Orleans, is just outside the disaster zone. But it is suffering from a second wave of the crisis: a crush of evacuees from one side and a crush of aid workers from the other.
On the packed flight from Houston, one guy tells me he’s been diverted from setting up tents at an Omaha, Neb., farm show to set up tents for evacuees from the disaster zone. At the baggage claim, firefighters from Arizona, FEMA officials, National Guard troops and missionaries of several stripes are jockeying for their luggage.
It might seem almost festive if it weren’t for reality creeping in. New Orleans native Ephrim Forbes, 32, left the city when he was 18 but his family stayed, even through Katrina. Now his grandparents, father, uncle and aunt are missing.
“Anything can happen, just like that,” he says, snapping his fingers. “All you can do is pray.”
We conduct a hasty handover between our arrival and Andrew and Michael’s departing flight. A lot of technology and gear changes hands and a minivan that is by now ripe with the smell of gasoline (from the extra cans in the back) and splattered with the bugs of Mississippi back roads. They are winding down and having a beer. We get caffeine.
Our first stop in Baton Rouge comes as the sun is setting on the city’s convention center on the banks of the Mississippi, a temporary home to about 4,500 evacuees. But all told there are about 100,000 evacuees here, a tidal wave of humanity for a city that ordinarily is home to 225,000. The sea of people in the convention center spills throughout the city, jamming hotels and snarling traffic. In a Starbucks, we find ourselves in a full house where people are using the free wireless computer network to conduct business and plan their next moves.
It’s especially difficult for the poor. What will become of Rosemary Bentley’s family, her children and 69 grandchildren, who all lived together in a trailer-home community that was destroyed? Will people move on to offers of homes in far-flung places or hunker down in the South where they have lived all their lives? This is one of the questions we hope to explore in our travels. What next?
Miss Kitty’s celebrity tour
TRACKBACKS
I pray for the people who have lost their lives and those that lost their homes, but I wish I could know about the animals that have been lost in the flood and those that made it through the flood. I know that this should not be even ask,But others probley want to know also.
Susan Bilko, Waynesboro,PA (Sent Sep 10, 2005 2:45:28 AM)
I feel terrible about those that have little money, that have a low level of education (even though there are programs available for those so inclined), and for those that had no way out of the city due to our United States overall lack of real public transportation. Busses SHOULD have been available when the evacuation orders came in for those that had no other way. Oh, and those that did get evacuated-finally, they should have been permitted to take ALL of their family members (pets included). Now we have to look for lost pets, family members to so many (me too as I am an animal lover with several of my own-shoot me first as I would NOT leave without them). I feel bad for those that were unable to leave due to age or other health issues. Again, there should have been better planning in the evacuation. Lessons learned here for the next FEMA director (as many would agree, this current one needs to go away-as Trump would say, "YOU"RE FIRED!". I feel worse for the children and the animal companions, what will become of them? I still have not heard word of a man who left his two dogs in a back room of his home, a Mr. Webster. Can you let us know if you find out anything, or any readers to my comments here let me know? Perhaps the rescuers can write a book about their rescue, care and reunion stories, as what a beautiful ray of hope that so few people can make such a large difference. USe the funds from the sale of the book for the care of animals and future needs? I say "so few" because as many people as there are in this world and especially in the United States, seems not enough are doing more for our animal friends. Those that have rescued "pets" they deserve a Medal of Honor and Valor for going above and beyond the call. God bless everyone for their efforts in saving human and animal lives!
Sincerely,
The Harlow's
The Harlow's, San Diego, California (Sent Sep 10, 2005 6:17:07 AM)
My name is Jamey and I live in Ohio. It's hard for me to sit in my home safe and sound, watching everyday as tons of families struggle to find shelter and somewhere to go. My mother and I have decided that we want to help. We have two rooms that are currently not being used and would like to take in a family or two that might want to move here to Ohio. If anyone knows of any websites where I can post our offer of a home please let me know. I know it's far, but we have a very loving home and would love to help out a family to start over and be somewhere where they will be loved and cared for. Please contact me by email and JamesLPolk@Hotmail.com if you can give me any help. Thanks so much. God Bless!
Jamey Polk, Minerva, Ohio (Sent Sep 10, 2005 6:39:27 AM)
I would much rather see the refugees and evacuees be named the survivors of Katrina.
rose marie glumm, Tampa, Fl. (Sent Sep 10, 2005 7:26:46 AM)
i live on the mississippi gulf coast and i have a question, why are all of the news networks mainly talking about new orleans,i mean jeeze at least have some people tell our story about the destruction of the mississippi gulf coast
sean white lucedale mississippi (Sent Sep 10, 2005 8:16:38 AM)
Please do a report on the clean up people who are now working to bring service back to the area(Gulfport ect.) You have many families across the country who have people working there and we would like to know how they are faring.
Betty Sarringar (Sent Sep 10, 2005 8:37:23 AM)
I visited New Orleans for the first time 15 years ago. While standing at the mouth of the Mississippi and the Gulf, my first reaction was "this levy isn't high enough to hold back high waters" - I was amazed at this since it sits on the Gulf and knowing that the city sits below sea level. My practical observations probably come from my experience as a teen when Agnes hit us in inland PA & NY in 1972. Now, I wish that I had written the Mayor expressing my concern. They probably would have treated the letter like I was some kind of nut case.
Also, Since 911 I periodically purchase practical survival gear, some of which I can currently use. I am not overly fearful, just implementing practical survival. I keep a tent and camping gear, bottled water, extra batteries, flashlites, canned food, a lantern (for warmth if needed) all of which I could pack into my little civic. I also have an evacuation route to a safe place if I need it. Just a suggestion from a fellow American.
Rebecca (Sent Sep 10, 2005 8:53:05 AM)
MY SON IS IN IRAQ AND HE WAS COMING BACK TO GULF PORT
HIS SEA BEE BASE, BUT I HAVE NOT TALKED TO HIM TO SEE
WERE HE WILL BE GOING ON HIS RETURN. MY FAMILY WAS
IN GULF PORT IN MARCH TO SEE HIM OFF AND I JUST CAN'T
IMAGINE WHAT IT IS LIKE TO SEE THAT AREA. MY PRAYERS
ARE WITH ALL THE PEOPLE AND WORKERS THERE
MARY NEWMAN SODDY-DAISY, TN (Sent Sep 10, 2005 9:23:53 AM)
I am a mental health therapist gravely concerned with the long term effects of this disaster on the children. What measures are there right now to help them work through this trauma? If not treated we, as a country, will see in the future a population of adults with addiction, clinical depression, bi-polar disorder, and a host of other mental illnesses.
I want to help them as well as the adults. It has been my field and focus for years and it's time for me to help again but I'm here in Maryland where it's cozy and dry.
Christine Caines, Parkville, Md. (Sent Sep 10, 2005 10:26:57 AM)
Hello-I saw your news report from Biloxi, MS. I haven't seen any news about Slidell, Louisiana even though the neighborhoods and businesses around the lake and I-10 (the Twin Span) are destroyed. The people of eastern Slidell and Western Mississippi, like Picauyne, also lost everything. Why not report on that and get them some help, please.
G Rose, Metairie, Louisiana (Sent Sep 10, 2005 10:50:25 AM)
I can't tell you how I cried when I found out that Miss Kitty was reunited with Bill.Alot of people don't understand how much a pet means to their well being. I have 3 cats and some strays I take care of. They all have names and are very much loved. Bill will be just fine now!!
Donnette C. (Sent Sep 10, 2005 11:02:56 AM)
Just an idea, why don't you guys get your own tent and then you wouldn't have to look for accomidatins. also you would find out firsthand how the dislocated are living. iving with them would most certainly give you lots of inside stories of survival.
Carolyn (Sent Sep 10, 2005 11:19:03 AM)
We MUST get more help and coverage for the animals stranded in homes, on rooftops, etc. for 11 days now without food or water. BEST FRIENDS is apparently the only organization that is in N.O. with a few boats. See their website at www. bestfriends.org. Please spread the word. We in Laurel, MS (hit hard also, but much better than N.O.) are doing what we can to shelter evacuees’ animals. We took in 15 dogs, a cat, a white rabbit and a cockatiel for displaced persons. But we must get the forgotten ones out of New Orleans. This is a national health problem, in addition to being a mission of mercy. Not only are they going to have hundreds of dead bodies but thousands of dead animal corpses if they don’t get more help in with boats to search and rescue. PLEASE HELP.
Love ya.
Sheila G., Laurel, MS (Sent Sep 10, 2005 11:39:53 AM)
Still trying to help from Torrance, California. Could we get a buddy system going? Many willing volunteers wanting to help virtually. Let's not wait for the government to figure this one out. Maybe sponsor it through msnbc.
Toni Roque, Torrance, California (Sent Sep 10, 2005 11:56:22 AM)
Dear evacuees, God Bless each of you. I want to thank every effort made to save as many of you as could be. we lost our daughter 10 years ago and now are raising her four sons, one of which has moved on. we feel in our home the more the merrier, so please someone send a grandma or grandpa or a student our way. we would feel proud to share our humble home with you. it is heart breaking to see the pain and devistation that katrina caused when she blew unrelinquishly through the place you called home. i do believe in my prayful heart that the city that sleeps will again rise to become more blessed than ever. God bless, and sending a prayer of HOPE PEACE AND NEW FOUND JOY FOR ALL HEARTS. LOVE grandma coleen
coleen fernandes kent washington (Sent Sep 10, 2005 12:01:00 PM)
I AM SO LOOKING FORWARD TO BEING ABLE TO VIEW THE HAPPY REUNION OF THIS MAN WHO IS DEALING WITH SO MUCH AND HIS FAITHFUL COMPANION.
THE INTERNET IS A WONDEROUS THING IN OUR TIME. IT IS SO WONDERFUL TO FOLLOW SO CLOSELY THIS STORY AND WATCH IT'S HAPPY ENDING COMPLETE WITH PICTURES.
I'M TRYING NOT TO CRY ALL OVER THE KEY BOARD AS I WRITE THIS!!!
Beth (Sent Sep 10, 2005 12:16:57 PM)
I can certainly empathize with the traffic problems because of a sudden influx of large numbers of people to a city the size of Baton Rouge. I have spoken to friends who say the delays are horrendous.
Perhaps the city officials can ask employers in the area to stagger work hours for employees. That worked quite well in Los Angeles during the 1984 Olympics and after the 1994 earthquake. I have a 140 mile commute and had my employer not allowed me to change my work hours, I would have spent many more hours on the road because of the many detours because of the many damaged freeways.
Andie Paysinger, Lancaster, CA (Sent Sep 10, 2005 12:32:05 PM)
Kari - Good luck with your travels and interviews down there ... I'm originally from BR and my sister and her family still live there - just outside of LSU's borders ... the rest of my people live northwest of the Mississippi river - False River area and some live just north of New Orleans - near Bogalusa ... they were the lucky ones. My sister calls me frequently ... they're all very stressed out about the strain on BR infrastructure and resources. It's so hard to imagine what they must all be experiencing right now and I'm sure a good part of it is that they are so desperate for a sense of "normalcy" (in whatever form that may be). A real dear friend of mine from up here is traveling down to the Astodome to offer up her Social Work counseling services to the "lost" children and families relocated there ... I'm sending all my love and hope along with her ... I wish everyone well and try to keep us posted on how things progress and hopefully improve -Molly
Molly Cronlund, Abington, PA (Sent Sep 10, 2005 12:46:20 PM)
I only like to ask where is the Governor of Louisiana ? I have seen every politican in the country expounding on the hurricane except the Governor of Louisiana. Did she die in the floods ? I think all of America would like to know.
Henry L. May, Okeechobee, Florida (Sent Sep 10, 2005 12:53:41 PM)
What has happened to those hit by the hurricane is a true shame. Unfortunatley mother nature reminds us that she is still the boss. The burden this puts onto the people of the region is large. We read a lot about how our government has failed the people. What about how the people who have failed themselves and their fellow man. For all of those who stayed behind due to their own ignorance. Look at how they burdened all. For the lawless who made relief efforts impossible till the Army and Guards showed up. What blame will they burdened? Unfortunatley we will never know how much worse this event has been made due to the people I have mentioned. Lets just try to remember it is all to easy to blame someone else when things go wrong. Our government never told us to be poor, ignorant or criminal. I understand that in cases it can't be avoided but people these days want to blame our government for their problems. In some cases maybe so for most cases I doubt. People need to remember they will someday be held accountable for their own actions.
John, Baltimore, MD (Sent Sep 11, 2005 11:54:46 AM)
To John in Baltimore: May God grant you some compassion for your fellow human beings.
Ken (Sent Sep 12, 2005 7:57:22 AM)
my name is ila my heart goes out to everybody in ms i sit in front of the tv all day watching this i cried it was great to see miss kitty back to her owner i am a pet lover but i live in fargo north dakota so there is not much i could do if i could i would help by taking a few cats and a small dog but i am also a kid person my heart goes out to all the kids that got apart from there family and i am sure there are some with out so i would love to help out that way i can take 3 or 4 kids in give them love and give them a fresh new start on life so if you know how to reseach anyone like that please give them my e-mail and have them e-mail me right away tigger260@hotmail.com thank you hope to hear from someone very soon
ila vanhauen fargo north dakota (Sent Sep 12, 2005 11:53:16 AM)
To Ken: I feel for those who have suffered due to the storm. My statement was not one lacking compasion for those struggling through hard times. Read my comment again, I am troubled by how the situation was made worse by the actions of some of the victims. I have no compassion for thugs and criminals making the relief efforts harder then they are. I feel for those who lost their lives and for the survivors. I feel for those who did not heed the warnings, had every chance to leave and then someone in their family died cause of their actions. Unfortunatley many of these are the people who have compounded the problem at hand. Everyone suffers when good common sense is ignored. You wouldn't get drunk and drive your car, so why takes chances with a hurricane?
John, Baltimore (Sent Sep 12, 2005 12:03:52 PM)
To Ken who wrote to john in Batlimore,I hope this message goes out to everyone who reads it not just john.We all need to find compassion for our fellow man (and the animals on earth too) both in crisis and in everyday life.The soul that may need help next could be any of us.It doesn't matter where you live or how educated you are,bad things can happen anywhere at any hour of any day.May blessings of good fortune fall on everyone,but if they don't,may the blessing of mercy be there.
shirley fayetteville wv (Sent Sep 12, 2005 12:32:58 PM)
My heart goes out to all who have suffered this terrible disaster. I also care for the displaced animals, but last night on The Weather Channel, on Storm Stories, they showed how many, many animals have been transported to other animal shelters, and many adopted. They are tagged with their name and I suppose if the real owner ever saw their picture and information, they would be able to get their pets back. But at this point, they probably have more serious problems. It was ver heart-warming to watch the show, and I thank Jim Cantori and the Weather Channel for airing this pet lovers that missed it.
Sandra Smith, New Smyrna Beach, FL (Sent Sep 12, 2005 3:47:50 PM)
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