Rita...one year ago today

[annegal]

The victims of Hurricane Rita, which hit western Louisiana, consider them selves the forgotten ones because it hit a poor, somewhat sparcely populated area....... don't see The Prez and all the press visiting there, do we??.

 

[VirtuallyMe]

A year ago today we anxiously waited for reports of the storm damage to our community- very few "big" weather/news reporters were in the area most affected- they had all gone to Houston but Rita didn't visit there. But the night before the reporters on Fox news were thankful that the storm was hitting "the insignificant population" that it hit

A year ago today the storm was still raging- they had more than 12 hours of catagory 2 strength winds even after the eye came on shore.

A year ago today our community lost more than 60% of its trees- many landing on homes.

A year ago today no one died- because everyone evacuated to safety- not because of Katrina- the people in my community were smart enough to have a city-wide plan of evacuation that was first used in 2003 where no one would be left behind.

A year ago today- crime didn't take over the community- because the city and parish (county) officials from multiple areas worked together and utilized resources wisely- no one argued about who was in charge or who would get credit- they worked together to get the job done.

A year ago today our kids were on their 4 day of 6 weeks off of school- they had to get out of school much earlier because the school buses were used first to evacuate the 10,000+ katrina evacuees and then our poor and elderly- then we had 2 weeks where we were not allowed back to the community while no power or supplies were available- during which time the schools that didnt' suffer wind/rain damage were covered in mold just because of the 100 degree temps and high humidity

A year ago today we all hoped for the best- and worried about the worst.

It doesn't seem like just a year ago- and really our community has come way farther than I would have thought it would. The city I live in no longer looks the same- with all the trees gone even those who have lived here our entire lives can become disoriented- a year after the fact... We were lucky- lost some roofing tiles, back patio cover, 8 trees, and a dog (who had to be put to sleep while evacuated)... but we have our home still and our jobs.

Thanks for anyone out there who is taking a moment to remember the Rita affected communities of SWLA and SETX- it is appreciated.

 

[annegal]

Both the Baton Rouge and Lafayette newspapers had big stories on your area today.

I was watching a This old house type program and they were building Habitat homes in slydell....just wondering if the media will ever do anything for Rita victims?

 

[Lady SnowElla]

We are from Mandeville but have thought about all of our neighbors on the other side of the state during this time. We recognize that it has been as difficult for all of you. Our thoughts & prayers continue to be with you.