Katrina's Wake

As one of the most powerful hurricanes in recent history to hit the Gulf states, Katrina has left a significant impact in her wake. Not only because of the force of the hurricane winds, but the result of the massive amounts of rain and storm surge which has inundated the area resulting in massive flooding.

New Orleans is 80% under water. Some areas are under as much as 20 feet of water. It could have been much worse if the eye of the hurricane would have passed west of the city instead of east.

One of the worst fears, a breach of the levee system surrounding the city, was realized when a two-block-long breach opened in a section of a levee that protects the city from Lake Pontchartrain.

Another fear, contamination of the city's drinkable water supply, was realized when a 50-inch water main was severed during the storm.

New Orleans was not the only city devastated by the storm. Biloxi and Gulf Port, Mississippi bore the brunt of the storm.

Mobile, Alabama had water from Mobile Bay surge into the city's downtown, submerging large sections of the city. An oil drilling platform broke away from its moorings and lodged under a bridge.

Estimates are in the months for the areas to resume basic functions.

I feel for the families and hope help arrives quickly for all these people. May the true light of man's humanity shine through this overcast period.

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