Posted by Dinah on September 7, 2007, at 9:26:51
In reply to Re: Is avoidance really so bad? » Dinah, posted by Meri-Tuuli on September 7, 2007, at 2:23:40
The federal government has helped *a lot*. Volunteer organizations have also helped tremendously. And I'm very appreciative.
Sadly, a lot of people in the city were not covered by sufficient flood insurance, and the need is great. It was a poor city before the storm, and getting poorer by the day. I can't help seeing other cities rebuild and renew from dire situations with local leaders of vision and resolve. Perhaps one day that will happen.
The scope of the damaged area is difficult to fathom. Nearly the entire city between a very narrow strip by the lake, and the original foundations by the river was affected in one way or another. These might help a bit.
http://www.nola.com/katrina/graphics/flashflood.swf
http://www.nola.com/katrina/graphics/depths.swf
Then our city leaders made the decision not to try to rebuild in a smaller area, and buy out homeowners and relocate, so there are pockets of activity (or single rebuilt homes) in large areas of abandoned housing or commercial areas. Needless to say this, along with the poverty both before and after the storm, has led to an upsurge of crime in an already crime ridden city. Resources are stretched thin, even with help from the national guard. All these things don't exactly help the economy, and housing for employees is scarce, and it all becomes a vicious cycle.
It's very hard to be hopeful. And it's actually harder for me to be hopeful now than it was two years ago.
Dinah
poster:Dinah
thread:781134
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20070904/msgs/781356.html