More Flooding In NOLA
Don’t get me wrong. I love New Orleans. That might show from the numerous times I’ve been there (how many, Tim? 5 times?). It’s a city full of character—whether it’s the musicians, the food, the architecture, the history or the partying, it’s a great place to visit and I have a blast every time I go there.
Last year, when Hurricane Katrina hit, it was a huge wakeup call for the infamous city “below sea level.” The levees broke, homes were destroyed, people were killed and the city fell apart. Rumors were abound with what would happen to New Orleans, but the city decided to stay strong and start rebuilding themselves—a very noble decision.
But then they get hit by not another hurricane, but the huge storm that has been hammering the Colorado area these past few days is also hitting New Orleans as rain. And the flooding has begun again:
Pumping stations, closely watched since the catastrophic flooding after Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, were working, officials said.
But the rain lasted so long, they couldn’t keep up, said public works director Jose Gonzalez of Jefferson Parish.
“The rest of the day, we will continue to pump,” Gonzalez said. “Hopefully, it’s not going to rain as much as it did this morning. … The amount of rain, that’s what hurt us.”
Seriously. This is just a rain storm and people’s basements are flooding already. People who started rebuilding their homes and their lives after the tragedy that was Katrina. People who deserve to be given a break.
Is the city lying to the residents about what these levees can really handle? New Orleans naturally wants to be a lake—how long do we pretend that it’s not?
Thoughts on this?
The problem here is not with the levees. The problem here is too much rain falling in a short period of time. That isn’t something that will ever go away. New Orleans already has the most elaborate pumping system in the world, but it won’t stop water from “pooling” there when 6.5″ of rain falls in half a day because there is no natural drainage there. It’s something you have to deal with if you choose to live there. Luckily, our beloved French Quarter sits just slightly above sea level and doesnt experience the problems with this that the rest of the city does.
Comment by Tim — 12/21/2006 @ 4:18 pm
Regardless of what the problem is though, Tim, why rebuild when you know that the city is going to pool up if too much rain falls? It’s always going to rain…
But I agree–at least the French Quarter is safe.
Have you heard of the Baronne Plaza?
Comment by Tara — 12/21/2006 @ 4:24 pm
Well the city is almost 300 years old. They’ve dealt with the flooding for that long, and they will just have to keep dealing with it if they want to live there. This kind of flooding happens a lot there…I think the only reason it’s making national news this time is because of Katrina.
Who’s eating corn nuts?
Comment by Tim — 12/21/2006 @ 6:13 pm
NOLA… With a Road Trippppp??? and a bumper??? Tim is right and so is Tara however to back up Tara’s claim (sorry pewper) That the city has sunk quite a bit in the last 300 years as well so the problem is only getting worse. Also, I bet the flooding is a bit more of a problem now since the ground may still be a bit saturated from Katrina.
Comment by Tulsa — 12/21/2006 @ 9:54 pm
The reason for the sinking though is that they have diverted the Mississippi which has stopped it from depositing sediments along the coast. So, the coast has washed away, causing NOLA to slowly sink. After Katrina, there are plans to replenish the coastal wetlands to both lessen the impact of hurricanes on the area, and to slow down (or stop) the sinking. I’m disappointed in you two, arguing for our blessed NOLA not to be rebuilt!!
Comment by Tim — 12/21/2006 @ 10:56 pm
As long as a Lucky Dog vendor stands on each corner….so NOLA lives.
Comment by eeeeeee — 12/22/2006 @ 8:28 am
I love Naked Lucky Puppy Dogs!!!
Gosh…. I miss my Naked Lucky Puppy Dogs… I miss NOLA… :’(
Comment by Tulsa — 12/22/2006 @ 10:09 pm
I’m sure the Bush Administration has a plan to provide for the common good. What a great President!
Comment by Heraldblog — 1/4/2007 @ 12:32 am
did you see what your ol school is doing?
http://www.trempergirlssoccer.com/recoverypremise.html
Comment by hardy — 1/8/2007 @ 5:57 pm