The lack of help is caused by either the disaster is so large even the US is having problems or they are not doing a good job.
An almost confirmation of deaths tolls in New Orleans.
On September 1 Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco reported that she learned from emergency responders that the death toll would indeed be "in the thousands"
The death toll is from 353-1253. This makes it the worst Hurricane since the FL (Lake Okeechobee) Hurricane in 1928 that killed 1836 people.
It doesn't help that something like 35% of Louisiana's National Guard is over in Iraq. I'd think they'd be much more needed here.
And it's going to be a very long time before there's any official deathtoll, as the state coroner has to make it official and one person can only do so much so quickly.
I've been hearing on the news that in New Orleans they've had to suspend rescue efforts because of idiots shooting at the helicopters and hijacking rescue boats. The police there have been having to deal with gangs instead of being able to help rescue people.
Originally posted by Lana
It doesn't help that something like 35% of Louisiana's National Guard is over in Iraq.
excellant point. one i've been making for years. the whole purpose of the national guard is to protect the homeland.
thus the name "national guard" and not "extra army because we've run out of volunteers"
Originally posted by Lana
I've been hearing on the news that in New Orleans they've had to suspend rescue efforts because of idiots shooting at the helicopters and hijacking rescue boats. The police there have been having to deal with gangs instead of being able to help rescue people.
if i was a cop i would shoot these pricks point blank in the face and carry on. illegal yes, but who will ever know? it would be a service to mankind
It is apparent that the situation is getting worse and worse everyday. They should get help from Canada who has alot of extra resources such as medical supplies and clean water and the PM says just ask what you want you'll get it. Of course its the Federal Govt of the US that decides that situation.
They should get help. Forget getting embarrassed from accepting help from other countries. The situation now itself puts a negative light on the US govt. The worlds knows whats going on in New Orleans.
I think CNN is doing a good job reporting on a disaster for once. They have shown everyone just how bad it is however my friend in baton rouge says local stations from New Orleans are showing many bodies and many disturbing scenes and he says the people are just fuming mad at the govt.
If this continues in New Orleans there will be an armed insurrection in that city comparable to the LA riots.
There already ARE riots going on in NO, like I said, they've had to suspend rescue missions because of people shooting at helicopters and the police are having to focus on keeping gangs under control instead of being able to concentrate on rescuing people.
I agree that the government needs to ask for help. This disaster isn't something that we're going to be able to handle on our own. It's just too catastrophic, I've been reading that it's the single costliest disaster in the US. I also heard on the news today that there were talks about recategorizing the strength of the hurricane at landfall; the winds were at category 4 level, but the storm surge was far more than a category 5 storm.
Los Angeles Times has an article on conditions in the Louisiana Superdome -
"A 2-year-old girl slept in a pool of urine. Crack vials littered a restroom. Blood stained the walls next to vending machines smashed by teenagers."
A woman says "We pee on the floor. We are like animals". She was given two diapers for her baby, and told to "scrape them off" when they got dirty and reuse them.
Another man says "There is feces all over the place."
Rapes have occurred, including a child.
Backup generators have failed.
Authorities are making a major effort today to get everyone out of the superdome. Hundreds of buses are making their way to get the people.
I wish these people were just space out to different buildings, with so many people in one place, and the current situation they've been placed it, some people are just resorting to messed up things.
Tourist Debbie Durso of Washington, Mich., said she asked a police officer for assistance and his response was, "'Go to hell — it's every man for himself.'"
Hmmm so much for help eh?
Originally posted by Maestro
[B]Tourist Debbie Durso of Washington, Mich., said she asked a police officer for assistance and his response was, "'Go to hell — it's every man for himself.'"Hmmm so much for help eh?
The thing is some of these people deserve to die, they go shooting helicopters and buses for no reason, so other people in dire need can't get assistance,to be honest I think its a bunch of bullshit and the US should pass a law in congress so that people who are distracting the helicopters by means of shooting should get their asses shot so other idiots are deterred from doing the same thing.
Originally posted by botankus
"DOT? Got a question for you. We're going to bring down 700,000 automobiles down the Interstates to help with the evacuations that are already moving about 2 MPH. Also, we've got about 200,000 of those inflatable hydro-hover-thingees. Thanks, we'll be on our way!"
As you were so quick to jump at my throat on my point of lack of assistance, well, now what would you have to say for lack of Civil Protection or National Guard to assist the striken displaced and hungry citizens ?
????????? I have no words to react to maestro.
Forget the cops actually fighting gangs they are locked up in police stations like a medieval fort. A Cnn reporter was on the roof of a police station. He says that it is so bad that some police have deserted. Most to tend to families and most just saying this is to messed up.
Cnn says the situation is so unsafe and so bad that they are getting international reporters who have been in the front lines of wars (Nick Robertson of course) to cover the story. They have only one in the center of that city and he is in a medieval police castle.
BBC has been giving amazing coverage to the rest of the world and they are showing the worst of the worst of the situation.
THe media are doing a great job and sometimes they know more then the Govt!!!