In the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina

The Shadow has come back from blog vacation only to give his take on the events of August 29, 2005 in the Southeast United States.

Hurricane Katrina, which appeared out of nowhere last Thursday, struck Southern Florida on August 26th. At the time, Katrina was a Category 2 hurricane, capable of damage and flooding. Once it got through Florida, Katrina strengthened to a Category 5 hurricane, capable of catastrophic damage in its path. Its major target was New Orleans, Louisiana.

On August 29, Katrina, now a Category 4 hurricane, made landfall in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Mississippi seems to have gotten the brunt of the storm with 80 people reported dead as of this writing. Most of the state of Alabama is without power. But the focus now seems to be on New Orleans.

Earlier today, Jefferson Parish announced that martial law was in effect. Looting is widespread throughout the city. More than 80% of New Orleans is currently underwater. While a mandatory evacuation of the city was ordered prior to Katrina making landfall, approximately 100,000 people stayed behind -- they were either too poor to leave or were simply not able to leave in time.

The Shadow has learned that within the last couple of hours, Louisiana's governor has ordered the remaining residents of New Orleans to leave. Jefferson Parish has ordered that all New Orleans residents stay out of the city for a week. At the end of that week, residents with identification will be allowed back into the city for a short time to gather needed possessions and then asked to leave the city again for a month.

Water is currently unsafe to drink and there is no power in the city. Flood waters are said to contain poisionous snakes and islands of red ants. Relief is now on the way, but it looks like the city of New Orleans as we know it no longer exists. But The Shadow is confident that the city will be rebuilt again, even in time for Mardi Gras in 2006.

Many people have expressed concern and want to help. The Shadow has learned that most highways into the city are flooded and would-be volunteers will not get into the city. The Shadow recommends that the best way to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina is to donte to the American Red Cross, which is helping to house victims of the disaster. You can donate by calling 1-800-HELP-NOW (1-800-437-7669) or going to their website to make a donation.

The Shadow will keep you apprised as developments warrant.