Raw Story's Larisa A. Reports from Hurricane-Ravaged Florida

[Cheney Killed Bambi]

It sounds like things are not going so well down there -- although fortunately she seems to be fine -- we need her reporting ;-) :

WEST PALM BEACH -- Many residents of Broward County, Florida remain without food, water or medical supplies days after being pummeled by a stronger-than-expected Hurricane Wilma.

RAW STORY’s Larisa Alexandrovna, who lives in the county, said the situation is far worse than the mainstream press is reporting. She believes part of this is due to the fact that residents are without phone service and largely unable to reach the outside world.

“There is no food,” Alexandrovna said. “The Salvation Army said that they would provide some dinners for people, but aside from the Salvation Army” there is little aid.

Calling into RAW STORY from a payphone at the West Palm Beach airport, since home and cell phone service have been adversely affected, Larissa explained, “We can't call out. No one’s covering this because they think if there were problems people would call, but we can’t.”

http://rawstory.com/news/2005/Raw_reporter_in_hurricane_zone_says_1026.html

[Liberty Belle]

1. Anyone know how we can get supplies sent to help Lala

and others there?


:kick:

[Cheney Killed Bambi]

2. She recommends

She recommends that if you're near the area to fill your car up with water and ice and drive in to help.

[Liberty Belle]

3. I'm in California, can't drive to FL, but wish there was a way to help.

[napi21]

4. HEY JEBBIE!!!!!! I thought you said you had everything under control!

You are Floridians, and you know exactly what to do!!!!

If we can't drive to Fl, we sure as heel can call the Governor's office!!!!

Gee, do ya suppose he just doesn't know there's a problem?????? ;O(

[KaryninMiami]

5. I'm in Florida and I can contact Larisa- at least I could before Wilma

so if I can get ahold of her (the phone service now really is a mess here- she's not kidding about people not being able to call out to anyone. I'll do my best to connect with her and see if she and I can coordinate something and then let everyone at DU know what they can do if they want to help. It's tricky since there's no mail or delivery service in some areas but I'm sure we can figure something out.

Stay tuned! I'll post in this thread when I get some news.

[Cheney Killed Bambi]

6. Thanks Karyn

Let us know!

[pansypoo53219]

7. my cousin in miami is lucky

due to being on tthe same line as a hospital, he got electricity very quickly and had his shutters on. but then he does have a PHd in atmospheric chemistry and knows hurricanes.

[symbolman]

8. But she IS calling, it's her cell phone that's out

and it sounds like she got to the airport just fine, you can see the Air Force planes flying aid in on CNN.

I'd be more worried about my house.

The worse thing I've seen so far has been a little old lady crying as some studly turd cooked his food on the common propane grill in a condo building and he wasn't offering any to her.

If I'd been there his face would have been on that grill.

[Historic NY]

9. My buddy called this afternoon from Miami

tickle of water if any, no power, no ice. Phone was up. Knowing him like I do, I asked him about cold beer. He said he only had Carolina Irish Creme to drink. He said its a mess there, wants to come back north as he only moved there a few months ago to his wife's place. Long lines 4 hrs to get fuel if they have it, frayed tempers. He was supposed to come last month and this month for a visit. I tried to tell him he wouldn't like Florida full-time.

[KaryninMiami]

10. An Update on Larisa's Report

I spoke with Larisa who is currently in DC, earlier today. She is very concerned as per her story, about what could be thousands of people in Broward and Palm Beach Counties - especially seniors- needing food, water, medical supplies and other support who have no access to resources or to even call for help. I promised Larisa that I'd follow up on DU and do my best to get some support for those in need in these areas.

The Salvation Army in Broward County confirmed Larisa's story and said that things are really very bad up there. Water and Food are limited and although they are feeding as many as they can, they do not have the staff, equipment or resources to take care of the thousands needing help. Plus, with the communications down, there's no way to know how many are stuck alone at home with no way to call for assistance.

They are the only major group on the ground now by the way. All of the other agencies are either not there yet or are so understaffed that they are not visible. People are getting desperate.

Here's what is needed now:

1) Money! Please send checks to: Salvation Army
PO Box 230, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33302. Put on the check "For Wilma Assistance" so that the money goes directly to those in need.

2) FOOD (pre-packaged cans, shelf-stable (canned fish, meats, pre-packaged meals that can be eaten cold or heated with sternos, crackers, cookies, boxed juices, milk, canned vegetables, Velveeta Cheese- anything that does not need to be prepared and does not need refrigeration.)

3 WATER and ICE-- As much as possible.

For those of you that are in Florida and have gas and can get to Broward County, please bring these to their main office:

1445 W Broward Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL
954-524-6995. Erin is the volunteer coordinator.

They also need volunteers to help distribute things and unload and sort boxes.


If anyone can get a group together to start canvassing the Senior Citizen's homes and communities, that would be great. Or if anyone lives near any of these places, please try to stop in there and see how people are doing and if they are needing any immediate support. There is great concern that with no power (for elevators, cooking, lights, etc.)and no phone service (or cell service), many could be desperate for outside contact and to reach their families. It's a huge job as there are so many of these places but this would be a great thing to do if anyone lives near there.

I was not able to reach the Palm Beach County Salvation Army (phones are down) but I'm sure they need help too.

We are trying to organize a caravan from Miami to head up there on Saturday. So if anyone wants to join us, please PM me.