We all know or should know by now that Hurricane Katrina is responsible for the largest U.S. natural disaster in decades if not centuries. It is now six days since Katrina hit the Louisiana and Mississippi Coasts. Survivors have described the calm after the storm as deadly as the wall of water and wind that completely wiped away entire communities. A week later there are reports of decimated areas that still do not have food or water. I just listened to the pleas of the Mayor of Kenner, Louisiana as he described the conditions of his town to a local TV station. He was thankful that Wall Mart trucks were recently able to get into his area with bottle water and food for his citizens but angry that no one else had been able to find them. A hundred and forty hours later we have families, in this land of power and plenty, that are still without water and food not to mention a safe place to sleep. As if all of this is not enough they are having to battle fatigue from the 90 degree plus temperatures, humidity, insects, infections and those that prey upon the helpless. The fact is many who survived the Hurricane may not survive the calm after the storm.

     The good news is that massive help is on it's way. There are literally thousands of heroes of this hurricane. Men and women from Mississippi, Louisiana and from across this nation struggling against time to reach the survivors. Like you, they care and they are working desperately to find those that need help before it is too late. I have family on the Mississippi Coast that have lost everything. Several of them were able to swim to safety. My 89 yr old aunt suffering from fatigue and dehydration fell and broke her neck. She through the help of family escaped the storm but became a victim of the calm. There is no shortage of food, water or other staples outside of the disaster zone. The problem that has plagued emergency management teams from the start has been getting the lifesaving materials to those that desperately need it as quickly as possible. This is a massive disaster requiring a massive and immediate response.

     What can we do right now? I am by nature a proactive type person when facing adversity. The victims and their rescuers desperately need proactive prayers. Proactive prayer would include encouraging quick action by those groups and agencies that have the responsibility for rescue, relief and restoration of the victims as well as finding out how one can help wherever we happen to be located..     

     Katrina Update: 9-4-05

    The National Guard, the U. S. Coast Guard as well as other Government agencies and selective Military forces are in  place working to restore order, airlifting and evacuating survivors from danger, setting up food and water stations as well as and doing house to house searches on the Mississippi and Louisiana coasts. Fuel shortages continue to be a problem for everyone causing 3 to 6 hour waits at gas stations that can get fuel. Our  state agencies are working 24 hours a day to get safe water and sewage treatment systems repaired. Electricity providers are working 24 hours a day to remove fallen trees and restore power. Many of them are actually eating and sleeping in their trucks as they work to restore some sense of normalcy. Neighbors are sharing with neighbors. Neighboring states, many Churches and other civic groups have opened their hearts and doors for the thousands that have been displaced. The news is encouraging.  

      Katrina Update: 9-10-05

     Two weeks after the storm there are still overflowing shelters on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I visited one such shelter, the Central Elementary School Shelter, accompanied by my wife and son-n-law as we searched for her oldest brother and his wife. They had survived the storm but were having a very difficult time enduring the calm. Although the shelter had not regained air conditioning they had water, food and ice. Their sleeping quarters were  mats and cots in a hall. Their meager belongings were pushed up against a wall to allow others passage through the hall. The shock and trauma of the storm and the resulting two weeks in the heat and humidity had taken a toll on their health. They had not had a shower since arriving at the shelter or the means to wash clothing. The nurses at the shelter explained that there was a severe shortage of the basics for medical care. We tried to talk them into leaving with us. They, like so many in the shelter, were concerned that if they left they would miss their chance to talk with F.E.M.A. and thus delay their chances of receiving needed help to begin again. We left all that we had brought which included food, snacks, drinks, ice cooler, first aid supplies, insect repellent, a radio, tee shirts and undergarments that could be thrown away and cash. We placed calls via our cells phones so they could talk with their children who lived several states away. They are alive and we are thankful. There is much to be done.

     Katrina Update: 9-11-05 

    Four years ago this date innocent children, women and men were murdered by a group of terrorists on U.S. soil. First, we all felt shock, then sadness for the families that had lost loved ones, anger toward those responsible and then resolve to help those left behind. Our hearts and prayers go out to those who lost loved ones and our praise and thanks to all those Heroes of September 11th, 2001.

     As I write this we also have heroes from all over the nation on the Mississippi Coast fighting against time to help the survivors of Katrina. There is also a great deal of anger and finger pointing as to who should be held accountable for the deadly delays following the wake of Hurricane Katrina. There is certainly a need to ask the hard questions. However, this need is further down on the list of priorities. We must stay focused on rescue, relief and restoration. 

     Katrina Update: 9-16-05

    According to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency preliminary estimates of homes destroyed in Mississippi by Katrina total a fraction under 400. A little over 2800 homes suffered major damage and over 13,000 had minor damage. Based on our own observations from Point Cadet to Pass Christian these numbers are very preliminary. We will post the final numbers once they have been verified. The process is ongoing and far from being completed..

     Katrina Update: 9-18-05 

    From Point Cadet to Waveland the Mississippi coast resembles a war zone. This storm took away precious lives, homes of families and friends, churches, favorite restaurants, businesses and many historic landmarks. Many who survived are still in a state of shock.  Massive structures of concrete and steel were no match for Katrina. The US 90 bridge between Gulfport and Ocean Springs looks like a giant accordion. Many of the large casinos that were moored on the water now rest broken on dry land. The storm has taken away jobs and devastated the local economies. I am old enough to remember when Camille hit in 69. As devastating as Camille was "she was a sissy compared to Katrina" according to my 89 year old aunt who survived with a broken neck and fractured arm.