Katrina: Nature's Deadly Rage

I spoke with one of my high school friends (who currently resides in Lafayette, Louisiana) I'll call her "Dee." She tells me that news reports are much less graphic then what is actually occurring in Katrina-ravaged land. Persons not directly involved in one, cannot even begin to imagine a category 5 hurricane's lethal destruction or effects. Dee tells me that "...an entire city...a major US city is beneath water...this is the big one," she paused, "there are sharks swimming in what used to be peoples' backyards. Homes are completely destroyed. We worry about West Nile, alligators and snakes. There is so much destruction.">O?

Living only two hours away on the north side of New Orleans, Dee relayed what news reports haven't told. While refugees are pouring into neighboring counties and states, she explained to me how rescue workers are being forced to arm themselves (for their own protection) in order to save lives; and how desperate people have become due to the treacherous circumstances.

Her younger sibling (who lived in the direct path of Katrina) managed to evacuate before any mandatory evacuations were ordered; therefore he and his friends were at a safe distance before the storm ever made it to shore. Unfortunately, her brother, like so many Gulf state citizens have lost homes, lives and lucrative careers - for many, indefinitely; and for some, forever.

We've all caught glimpses of graphic and dramatic video footage on television and cable news networks everywhere. But my friend tells me that what we see is nothing compared to actually seeing the aftermath in person. How much worse can it be - I thought. I asked 'how prepared' there state was for such a catastrophe. Dee explained how emotionally paralyzing Katrina has left her state and surrounding states: "Remember how people used to talk about California breaking off and dropping into the ocean?" She continued, "It's one of those things that could possibly happen, but never does happen-- that's what's happened in New Orleans, Biloxi and all these gulf regions...it's the 'what could happen but did happen scenario. It's horrible."

I asked her how and if help is getting through to where it needs to go. She told me that help is pouring in from everywhere, but there are simply not enough leaders to delegate where the help needs to be dispersed. It's a sad situation. However, Dee told me that this situation has been a real 'learning experience' for her and her family, "We've seen how people can come together from all walks of life and help each other as well...that's the lesson..."

The problem with nature's wrath is that it can be so very unpredictable. Two weeks ago, no one could've begun to imagine that such deadly power would envelop the Gulf States; let alone wreck such fatal havoc and destruction. The other sad part of this situation, is that Louisiana and Mississippi are home to many impoverished families; New Orleans, in particular. It's not that these families actively chose to stay in the path of Katrina -- for many, leaving was not an option due to various reasons, including financial difficulty, health issues, or they were simply trapped in the last minutes.

Today, we reflect on Kathrina's terrible path of destruction. More than likely, Katrina will become known as one of the most lethal, if not the most lethal natural disasters in United States history. Making a pit stop in southern Florida, Katrina was responsible for at least 7 deaths. As she barreled into the Gulf Coast, Katrina forced over a million individuals from their homes, causes widespread flooding and catastrophic damages; in addition to loss of life that has still not been equated. The insurmountable destruction will take years to repair. Presently, mass exodus' is under way to bring thousands of refugees to safer ground.

Will another category 5 storm hit the Southeastern or Gulf States? With the heightened rate of storms developing in the Atlantic Ocean, and the expected increase in storm strength and frequency, the likelihood of another "Katrina" could be fearfully inevitable.

While we cannot stop a hurricane; we can ultimately learn how to better contend with a storm (of this magnitude) and how to effectively work together as human beings. The greater lesson, I think, is to broaden our understanding on human suffering and acceptance of circumstances beyond our control; and to be grateful for our livelihood and for the lives that we still have.

To help with relief efforts, please visit the American Red Cross today at: www.redcross.org

The Staff at Holistic Junction wishes to express its deepest and heartfelt sympathy, and hope for a brighter tomorrow to the survivors of Hurricane Katrina.

Copyright 2005 - All Right Reserved Katrina: Nature's Deadly Rage Commentary by C. Bailey-Lloyd/LadyCamelot

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