from interdictor liveblog in NOLA
http://www.livejournal.com/users/interdictor/49380.html#cutid1URGENT ASSISTANCE NEEDED.
First of all, many thanks to the kind and courageous folks currently
staffing Outpost Crystal. Their compassion and honesty are
unparalleled.
I am writing this to describe a horrific situation in NOLA that few are
aware of, and those who are aware are doing little or nothing. As many
of you have likely observed, the national media outlets are suggesting
that hurricane relief is finally leading to vast improvements with each
hour that passes. Food and water are being delivered, power restored,
levees repaired, water drainage plans developed, and those still living
successfully evacuated. Many are reporting that the final areas are
being checked for survivors, as well as those who have passed at the
hands of Katrina (and more often, neglect). Unfortunately, this is not
the case. As demonstrated on nola.com's blog section, many individuals
know the exact locations and WORKING telephone numbers of family
members, most of whom are elderly, sickly, starving, and in serious
need of medical attention. When able to get through on emergency
telephone numbers, a feat not to be taken lightly, they are dismissed
or told that dispatch would be sent immediately, yet no one has come,
even though calls have been placed for days. Many do not require full
evacuation, but basic medical attention and/or supplies. Many are
completely immobile, and unable to access the limited relief sites or
food drops. I spoke to one such individual, Ms. Lee Livermore, who was
still trapped in her home earlier this evening (around 6:00pm EST).
Her nephew, living in Michigan, explained to me that she is diabetic,
has difficulty moving, and he has been in contact with the coast guard,
emergency services, and even the governor's office, yet nothing is
being done. Stranded on a 3rd floor apartment, with little food, no
sweets, and low blood sugar, her outlook is not promising. This is
just one case out of hundreds, probably thousands. Incredibly, much of
this information is available through nola.com, a resource many of the
media are utilizing, yet remains unreported. The television broadcasts
refer to none of this, simply stressing the importance of financial
contributions, encouraging National Guard membership for potential
volunteers, and emphasizing the positive direction the situation is
headed.
For more information on these people who are stranded and requiring
immediate assistance, please visit
http://www.nola.com/weblogs/nola/index.ssf?/mtlogs/nola_nolaview/archives/2005_09.html
Note: specific contact information and locations ARE provided
Some of these people, primarily those in high profile areas, such as
universities and hospitals, have since been rescued. Others, however,
are being ignored, even though their situation and status is easily
discernable and their telephone contacts are reliable and consistent.
Addresses are always provided, as is contact information for family and
friends. After speaking with stranded individuals and their family
members, the severity of the situation is obvious, yet rescue workers
are overwhelmed or dismissive, often a combination of the two, with
each call placed. We are being bombarded with images of the care and
rescue of healthy, able-bodied people, yet so many of those who need
our attention most are completely helpless.
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