Unfortunately, it is once again time to come to the aid of our brothers and sisters. For information on help for those people involved in the hurricane stricken area of the U. S. go here:

[www.networkforgood.org]

[www.npr.org]

[www.nola.com]

Les



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 09/01/2022 09:03PM by lg.

I am really very sorry for all the people in new orleans and all those with family and friends there. Thank you for the links Les.

Our thoughts and prayers go out those suffering the terrible effects of this unimaginable natural disaster.
Questions have been asked in the Australian media as to why it is that when other countries suffer such disasters the world rushes to their aid (usually led by America) but we have not witnessed such haste to assist the USA.
Our Prime MInister has announced that he has has asked US officials what we in Australia can do to help and in addition has offered the services of the many trained disaster experts we have in this country.

Vic and Desi I share your concern and it's heartening to see individuals outside the U.S. feel as we do here about the victims.

For those outside the U.S. who may not have the 24/7 news coverage we do, there are a few points to bear in mind.

1. The infrastructure of the city and much of the state of Louisiana is virtually inoperative at this point. Imagine trying to communicate in a city of 500,000 without telephones, television, or radios since there is no electricity, or try traveling through town with 2-12 feet of water covering most of the roads.

2. The short term prospect is bleak, but the recovery will be even harder. Ask yourself these questions:

a. Where might 500, 000 displaced people find shelter while homes and apartments are being rebuilt, or restored?

b. Who will support these families with no jobs available in the area for an extended period of time?

c. How will local government restore faith in itself given the anger and dispair of the citizenry?


Les


p.s. My hope and firm belief is that the amount of donations from individuals and the private sector here in the U.S. will be absolutely mind-boggling.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/02/2022 11:17PM by lg.

as far as I know the world does rush to the aid of the US. The Netherlands already sent a frigate with helpful materials (among which potable water) on the way over there awaiting approval from the US to enter their waters. The netherlands also offered other aid, among which a team of experts on dykes and water floodings, pumps for potable water, f16's and whatever the US requests. However, the coordination is to be done from the US and countries can only sent what they accept and need, otherwise it will on top of a natural disaster also be a logistical disaster.

And I just read even Cuba is offering aid in the form of doctors and medication. And I'm sure many many other countries have offered similar aid.

Desi, you are correct many countries including Japan and the European union have made significant contributions.

>The netherlands also offered other aid, among which a team of experts on dykes and
>water floodings, pumps for potable water


Water is very important because temperature in the area averages between 85 and 95 degrees (30-35 C).


Les

Thank goodness her friends are rallying to her aid! We have excellent news coverage in Australia but unfortunately these offers to assist America by other countries have not been widely publicised.
It was suggested that perhaps some saw it as unnecessary to offer aid to the richest most powerful country in the world, however we see it as an opportunity to help a very close friend.

>My hope and firm belief is that the amount of donations from individuals and the private sector here in the U.S. will be absolutely mind-boggling.

[66.102.7.104]

[www.cnn.com]

click on "Katrina's Billionaire Donors" here:

[www.forbes.com]



Les





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/27/2005 01:37AM by lg.