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February 19, 2006
Katrina Is Not History
By: Rowan Wolf
As the investigation into the failed response to Hurricane Katrina drags on, we see what has become a pattern of graft, cronyism, incompetence. FEMA's almost billion dollar purchase of mobile and modular homes largely sit decaying in a filed in Hope, Arkansas, while tens of thousands of people still remain homeless from the hurricane. The big benefactors of aid have clearly been the recipients of the no-bid contracts (like Halliburton) and hotel chains which have received up to $400 a night to house evacuees.
Six months after the hurricane, the Gulf Coast is still largely a shambles. A new wave of death from the hurricane is rolling in - this group assumed to be from the stress of dislocation.
With the effects of Katrina still present and unaccounted for, we are rapidly moving towards the 2006 hurricane season. It is predicted to be as bad or worse than 2005. Preparations for the upcoming season look to be in doubt.
While the rebuilding of the levees in the New Orleans' area slowly proceed, questions are being raised about their construction. Apparently, there is evidence that the soil composition of the fill dirt may be inadequate. Reportedly much of the fill is sand and peat with inadequate amounts of clay to help create a reasonable levee. We could see a situation where the levee's look good, but will wash away at even below a Category 3 hurricane. While New Orleans and surrounds may not be hit with another hurricane in the coming year, the odds are not in their favor. Further, if the levee's are built with poor material, it is unlikely they will be rebuilt again until they fail.
Other Articles of Interest
2/19/06 Cynthia McKinney, The Hurricane Hit That Hit the Poor - Katrina's New Underclass
2/11/06 Rupert Cornwell, Independent, Bush Lied Over Katrina, Sacked Head of Disaster Agency Says
Eric Lipton, NY Times, Key Documents Regarding the Government Response to Katrina
Posted by Rowan at February 19, 2006 10:08 AM Category: Global Warming --- Social Impacts