Gulf Coast Devastation

Having recently been in New Orleans and having a close friend who resides there, I feel a special connection with the catastrophic event which has devastated the U.S. Gulf Coast. I've been trying all weekend to reach my friend Julia, but the phone lines are down. I'm hopeful that she is safe, though, as she typically gets a big jump on the storms before they are even remotely close to New Orleans.

That said, in looking at the pictures of the flooding, I am concerned about her apartment and belongings. Much of it is probably just "stuff," but even so, I cannot even imagine the empty feeling of devastation which she and so many others are suffering. As new video emerges, it is hard not to feel a sense of awe at the power of this storm. I pray that the death and injury tolls remain at a minimum. But it's clear that the cost of destruction to infrastructure, property, etc are very high. And the worst has not been felt yet, as the high waters will surely exact a heavy toll in the days and weeks ahead.

Update: For some reason when I posted this, I failed to mention that I also have three relatives who reside in the region most affected by the storm. Fortunately, two evacuated prior to the storm making landfall. The third, my cousin Scott, inexplicably decided to ride the thing out. After putting his mother through many hours of concern when she couldn't reach him, it was finally discovered that he is safe. But the way my aunt found out was rather curious. Today she received a call from a woman who lives in Utah saying that she had walkie-talkie communication with her husband, who is working construction with Scott down in the area. He asked his wife to call Helen and let her know that Scott was alright. But there won't be any more details or updates, because the battery on the man's walkie-talkie has now run out. I imagine we will be hearing more such stories in the days ahead. Meanwhile, I hope that all affected will get the relief they need as quickly as possible.