Tag: Gustav

While a lot of attention is being focused on Texas, SE Louisiana–particularly bayou communities–which are still recovering from Gustav are being affected by Ike already.  This is almost a repeat of Katrina-Rita, and again, they are being ignored.  Please see the bottom of this diary for ways to help.

The Gulf Coast needs your help.  We were in a MANDATORY evacuation mode during the third anniversary of Katrina, no doubt because of the condition of the levees.  I physically checked, Gustav water did not touch the toe of the lake levees so this was not really a test, contrary to what the Corps indicates.  All the money spent has not done one thing to rebuild the barrier islands, restore wetlands or create incentives to raise buildings.  What has been spent?  What would it cost to do those three things?  Obama, what about you?  Has the good will and tax funds of the citizens of this country been squandered on crony private contractors?

It has been over a week and the commodities (local provides the POD and state provides the commodity) are only starting to arrive, although today it is reported they are out.  People could at least be using the commodities (if they existed) until the food stamp situation is worked out.  At least after Katrina, there were few problems with food stamps and unemployment, but Jindal, a typical republican cut funds and staff to social services.  People stood in line at 2AM and in the heat to be turned away at the food stamp Pod.  A thousand people a day at 35 locations to be handled in 7 days when 2 million people evacuated.  Governor Jindal, your numbers do not work. For the victim, it only works for the republicans (only1/8 of the people will be serviced).  Is this not a traditional corporate media story?   In fact, Jindals’s Social Services program director (Cheryl Michelet) is now on WWL radio (Tuesday @ 3PM).  She is a former media/PR model/stenographer and does not know how many people can be processed.  She has asked for those numbers, but all we get is PR.  She may ask for an extension from the federal government.  She also misstated the monthly income requirement ($3,000=incorrect vs $3,108=incorrect).  Hiring incompetent PR people is the mode of operation.  So if they can handle 1/8 in 7days, this should go on for 7 more weeks.   This is planned not to work,.  the locations and times keep changing (deliberate miscommunication).  http://www.nola.com/news/index…

The Environmentalist has an article for Reuters on Gustav.

We’ve had reports of people ignoring the mandatory evacuation order.  Here’s what those who stay will (not may, will) face:

• Gustav is pulling more heat out of the Gulf than Katrina.
• The Gulf loop current is nearing 90 degrees.  That exceeds the high temperature that fed Katrina.
• Tidal surges could exceed 20 feet; greater than Katrina.
• The cone is narrowing toward Louisiana with New Orleans in the bullseye.
• While it may not hit New Orleans, it still may.
• There will be no city services.
• The cool waters just offshore may not be able to sufficiently stop its momentum.
• The wetlands, New Orleans’ only protection, are not returned enough to health to slow it down.
• The levees are not built to hold above a certain strength of surge; one that Gustav may exceed.

Also: there are three named storms in Gustav’s wake that are on the same path; one that is nearing hurricane strength just east of the Caribbean.  

Anyone still there should get out fast.  Don’t leave it until the last minute.  The evacuations could break down at any time.  

Even climate scientists who ride in hurricane planes are getting out of the way of this one.  It’s a potential monster with no way to know how high the surge will become.