As everyone by now is well aware, this event has become cataclysmic and continues to exceed every imaginable comparison to other disasters, at least those known here in the U.S. The levees have completely failed and New Orleans is slowly becoming immersed in what is literally a most deadly and toxic pool. The monsterous hurricane itself, although missing New Orleans, swept through the Gulf Coast with unbelievable ferocity, actually regaining strength as it literally swept whole towns off the map. There is little left standing in most places on the gulf with over 90% total destruction of structures in Gulfport and Biloxi.
While New Orleans evacuated for the most part, much of Mississippi did not, and it is yet impossible to determine death tolls. Incredible winds and deadly tornados spawned by the hurricane took their toll into Alabama as well.
As an airline agent here in Dallas, I do know we have been able to get several relief planes into New Orleans, and yesterday we brought in 10 employees along with hundreds of stranded passengers from virtually every airline that goes into New Orleans. The remainder of our employees we are still trying to locate. With no phones or communication, transportation or for that matter even addresses as most of the city is underwater, it is at this point impossible, but we are still trying. The airport itself has intermittantly had at least one runway open enough to accomplish those relief flights, but that status remains unstable.
At this point, the unimaginable and tragic loss of life remains ever present, but not yet in known statistics or numbers. Thankfully they are getting everyone out of the city as they race against the insidious aftermath that will surely claim many more victims if they remain there any longer. I cannot begin to imagine the agony and despair of these poor people in this waterborne hell of filth, toxic chemicals and oil, death and many deadly forms of wildlife, and deadliest of all the disease that is inevitable.
This event has surpassed our fears and become a disaster of magnitude this country has not ever experienced. We have always been the rescuer in so many worldwide disasters and been first to be there to help.......this time it was us, and we are honestly stunned as we try to understand ourselves as the victims. This was indeed, our tsunami.
I pray for those who were lost, and for strength and comfort for the loved ones who remain, and that we can help those survivors regain thier lives. I deeply mourn the loss of a city I truly loved, and for all whose loved ones, homes and in fact whole towns were lost.
With deepest compassion,
Jim
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