Tampa Photography Blog

The only flooding I’ve ever witnessed was about knee-deep.

When I saw some people wading through waist-deep water with bags of belongings thrown on their backs, I wondered what they brought with them. What was important enough to carry all that way?

When I went out on rescue boats, I was amazed to see that the water levels came up to street signs and the top of homes. I finally understood why residents were cutting holes in their roofs to escape.

As I was shooting photos of people wading through water looking for dry land, I saw two men pulling a canoe with an elderly man inside. I met Leroy, 78, who was being helped by two relatives. They were desperately seeking medical attention for his Diabetes. He had no insulin and needed his dosage. I felt so sorry for the weak man who wasn’t even asking for water or food but insulin. He eventually found a volunteer who was using his personal truck to give rides to refugees. And he was on his way to a medical shelter.

Businesses and homes alike were damaged, some destroyed beyond recognition. Some places had items taken by wind and rain clear across a neighborhood. Barstools and tires from who knows where were strewn across what was once a busy trolley track.

Homemade signs about surviving Katrina or needing help were hung up anywhere they would stick.

Approximately $80 billion in damage was done to 200,000 homes in New Orleans leaving 800,000 people displaced at some point. Those numbers are staggering.

Two days after Katrina hit, 80% of New Orleans was flooded and some places were 15 feet under water. The storm supposedly caused 50 breaches in levees, built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

September 1, 2005 journal entry:

“We heard the ‘N Word’ for the first time today and it probably won’t be the last. Some residents are upset because they think black looters are taking over the city. Racial tensions are definitely higher than normal because minorities in low-income neighborhoods think residents in wealthier areas are receiving help faster.”

“One of the strangest feelings I’ve had this week is having to relieve myself outside, probably in what used to be someone’s yard. As a woman, I enjoy privacy for these situations but when there are no stores open and people have either abandoned their homes or they remain but have no water or electricity, what do you do? It just felt wrong…”

September 2, 2005 journal entry:

“Greg [a Times photographer] arrived today and it helps to see a friendly face. I’m supposed to leave on Tuesday, which would be my 12^th day of work. The plan is to switch people out so we don’t get too burned out.”