New Orleans: It’s not just the weather that’s bad.
The flood defenced have finally failed after New Orleans was hit by Hurricane Katrina. However, the devastation was far worse than was anticipated, leaving at least 110 killed, with more found all the time, and over 80% of the city under water. The water came in so fast, and with so much force, that the pumps designed to remove excess waater in just such an event have broken. With levels now reaching rooftops, people are left with no where else to go; authorities are currently planning to evacuate 20,000 people for the original shelter - football stadium - because of rising water levels.
As you would expect the water is filty with chemicals and sewerage, making it likely that disease and illness could soon spread fast between the victims.
In my eyes however, in spite of the devastation and awe inspiring destruction caused by such a natural event, the worst element of this occurance can be found amongst the New Orlean people. Obviously, resources are scarce and scattered, and there are a few desperately seeking water, food, and medicine. In this situation people can be forgiven for brash actions. However, what i do have trouble with are the staggering number of opportunists who can be seen stealing non-essential items such as televisions. Where exactly are they going to put them? They have no house. Police are trying to enforce a sense of martial law, but many continue regardless, safe in the knowledge that thepolice would never open fire into a shop of civilians.
This i feel is the most shocking element. We see images of natural disasters all the time in the media, some say we are ven de-sensitised to them, but i am appalled at how quickly a developed and thriving populas can turn so ugly.
Image sourced from the BBC news website @ http://news.bbc.co.uk
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