*Cross-Posted at The Wild Wild Left*
So far so good here in Lafayette, LA. We are watching the eye of the storm on television move over Morgan City, up the Hwy. 90 corridor on its way here. Still safe, still have electricity. Winds are gusting to around 40mph now, so things are deteriorating outside, and I expect them to continue to do so as the eye gets closer. The various news outlets are reporting that the Industrial Canal in New Orleans (that was breached in Katrina and devestated the Ninth Ward) has overtopped its levees and is causing some flooding. No word on the severity.
I will try to keep posting as long as possible, but for now we are fine. Keep us in your thoughts.
Do you remember what you were doing August 29, 2005? Did you go to work as usual that day? Shop for groceries? Bring your kids to soccer practice? Maybe you had a fight with your spouse, or got pissed off in traffic. You probably don't remember, do you?
I remember what I did that day. I cried. I cried a lot. I cried for my friends, my family, the home I had left behind. I sat, evacuated, and wept for those who couldn't evacuate, and I watched as they slowly drowned when the water came into their houses faster than they could escape. I cried until there was nothing left, until I was just a shell of a human being, until I passed out from exhaustion.
Remember New Orleans. Remember Louisiana. Remember that we are still not recovered, still not where we were, or where we should be. Remember those who died, and those who were never able to come home. Remember that as human beings, as Americans, it is our obligation to help one another, to love one another, and to share concern for one another.
I will never forget.
View Katrina Timeline
View Katrina Slideshow
Obviously worried tonight, as Gustav appears to be making a beeline for Louisiana. Everyone is gearing up here, buying supplies, gassing up vehicles, and making evacuation plans (rooms are booked to Dallas and Memphis I hear). Sad, but we know the routine.
Despite Jindal's attempt at a comforting press conference this afternoon I'm not entirely convinced that things are under control at the state and federal level. We'll see of course. Unfortunately, for people who have no other means for escape, "we'll see" takes on a whole new meaning. From what I hear evacuations will start on Saturday. Supposed to be 700 buses and umpteen trains waiting to get everyone out.
As for myself, I plan to ride out the storm. We are on high ground this time (unlike my situation during Katrina), and there are no trees in the immediate vicinity to land on my house. The worst part is always the uncertainty, and of course...the waiting.
