Lack
of organization slowed hurricane response
Kristyn
McGrath
Hurricane
Katrina devastated the city of New Orleans
and other parts of the Gulf of Mexico,
leaving the victims of the catastrophe
with no food, water or anywhere to call
home.
Katrina is another example of America’s deadly and costly natural disasters,
with a death toll reaching the thousands. The estimated cost of damage
caused is anywhere between $17 billion and $25 billion, or possibly even higher.
The U.S. government was certainly unprepared for an event like this. Although
they were aware of the possibilities, they made no attempt to be organized.
This lack of organization is what is causing some to blame others for what
is wrong with the entire situation. I think the finger-pointing and looking
for who to blame will not solve this crisis, but now that the damage has been
done I believe the U.S. government is showing considerable effort.
The victims of Katrina felt the response time for food, water and rescue teams
should have been prompt and efficient, but unfortunately that was not the case.
Three days after Katrina hit the Gulf, rescue teams still had not arrived and
the victims surely thought American had forgotten them. Shots of gunfire kept
some of the rescue workers from reaching parts of the disaster that needed
the most attention. Violence poured out in the city, with looters and
shooting at the rescuers, potentially slowing down the entire aiding process.
New Orleans was said to be the most vulnerable area for natural disasters for
years. This disaster was anticipated, but unprepared for.
With 20 percent of the New Orleans population living below poverty level, it
was hard to have an evacuation. They had no place to go but the Superdome.
I believe our response time should have been more efficient and prompt. I
understand that America wanted the rescue to be quick, but what most people
don’t understand is that there were thousands of people that needed rescuing. There
needed to be an action plan, and I believe that is the cause for such a delay.
It is hard to believe something so devastating can happen so quickly, but in
that time of need, America was there and will continue to be there.
Millions of people across the nation are contributing to help the victims of
Hurricane Katrina.
Katrina brought forth much devastation, not only to the victims of the tragedy,
but also to the viewers watching the footage over the television.
Katrina will never be forgotten, and the aftermath will only make us stronger.
The victims of Katrina believe the government has let them down or forgotten
them in their time of need. Katrina has ruined the lives of many, but
has opened more doors for opportunities.
The government’s lack of response time in this desperate hour has made
some people question their faith in our government. It should have been
more prepared for an event like this, but considering the damage, the victims
are lucky to get out alive and right now that is all that matters.
Blaming others through finger-pointing is inevitable, but instead of pointing
fingers, America needs to work together to rebuild Katrina’s aftermath.
If you want to help the victims of Katrina, simply call 1-800-HELP-NOW.
Kristyn McGrath is a freshman journalism major. |
