Hurricane Katrina's Aftermath of Disaster

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Hundreds of thousands of evacuees are stranded in six southern states, with 80% of New Orleans still under water. Rooftop rescues are still going on in New Orleans as the Army Corps of Engineers struggles to keep the water from rising. Parts of Mississippi still haven't been heard from. The death toll will certainly be in the hundreds, perhaps in the thousands. We hear about people who stayed behind--by choice or necessity--and the challenges to public health from insects, animals, sewage and industrial contamination. (An extended version of this program aired earlier today on To the Point.) Reporter's Notebook: Harry Shearer Waxes Eloquent on New Orleans You've been hearing excerpts of interviews about the growing disaster broadcast earlier today on our To the Point. Our own Harry Shearer is a part-time resident of New Orleans. The host of Le Show and voice of TV's The Simpsons says he hopes the city's unique culture will be able to survive.
FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, recommends that if you want to help victims of Hurricane Katrina, the greatest need is for financial aid. A number of relief organizations are accepting contributions now: For more information on how you can help, visit the FEMA website.

KRTH article on anticipation of thousands dead in New Orleans

Houma Currier article on refugees struggling to leave New Orleans

FEMA cautions evacuees not to re-enter damaged areas prematurely

Credits

Host:

Warren Olney

Producer:

Frances Anderton