death toll may already be over 1,000

[soonertwister]

The simple fact is that the number of dead is likely going up by the hour, and we are in a race to maximize the ratio of lives saved versus lives lost.

Given the magnitude of the disaster, I think it's unreasonable not to expect a toll comparable to that magnitude.

At least we can still save lives. There are some disasters so locally catastrophic that the number of survivors are few or non-existent. That isn't the case here.

[SkeetoBite]

Sadly, I suspect that the actual number will stun the entire world.

[southerngale]

i'd like to believe there are only 144 dead in MS, but i fear many many more is likely accurate. From the aireials i've seen ALL residences/structures within 1/4 mile of the gulf from Biloxi westward to Slidell/NO are severely damaged from the storm surge, and there are many of those same structures where all that is left is the concrete foundation slab

You would think everyone who lived within 10 miles (at a MINIMUM) would have evacuated. If a cat5 was in the GOM headed in my general direction, I would evacuate even if I lived 30 miles inland! I just don't get it.

[cancunkid]

i'd like to believe there are only 144 dead in MS, but i fear many many more is likely accurate. From the aireials i've seen ALL residences/structures within 1/4 mile of the gulf from Biloxi westward to Slidell/NO are severely damaged from the storm surge, and there are many of those same structures where all that is left is the concrete foundation slab

You would think everyone who lived within 10 miles (at a MINIMUM) would have evacuated. If a cat5 was in the GOM headed in my general direction, I would evacuate even if I lived 30 miles inland! I just don't get it.

Yep southerngale you would think that people would. I hate to admit well educated people with the money to leave in my family chose to stay in Long Beach. They had left every time last year and for Dennis earlier and said it had taken them 18 hours during Dennis and just didn't think it would hit them. Amazingly the ones who never leave ever left....for Ocean Springs! All survived but of 4 houses only one is livable.

I am always amazed about the people who live in mobile homes in Oklahoma Kansas and Missouri who don't go to tornado shelters. Sadly I think so many think it won't happen to them. Heck I have been known to spend many nights in my basement.

[Lori]

Sadly so many thought they could "ride" it out because false assumptions like:

1) the storm would significantly weaken before landfall just like Lili, Ivan, and Dennis

2) the storm would turn to right and impact the Pensacola area like Ivan and Dennis

3) They and/or the house survived Camille so they would be safe

[Pebbles]

Sadly, I suspect that the actual number will stun the entire world.

Unfortunately. I'm going to have to agree with you here. I live in a lower income population in Chicago and there are many neighborhoods here are much lower income then mine! The perportion of elderly/very young to teen/midlife populations is great. I would say about 80 percent are over 50/under 15. I can look around my own neighborhood and imagine just how many would not of made it out (personally believe more like only 60 percent evacuated.. maybe even less) or through the flood. I don't think this country is prepared for what the final totals are going to be.

[Derek Ortt]

1619 dead so far according to the article

[jpigott]

1619 dead so far according to the article

what article, no link

[greeng13]

Sadly, I suspect that the actual number will stun the entire world.

abosolutely! the diseases have not even taken their tolls yet

there are children in the shelters even in houston that are going to the bathroom...not washing their hands...and not wearing shoes! these people haven't even been able to bathe after swimming/wading around in a toxic soup.

[huricanwatcher]

After Floyd came to our area here in eastern NC, if you were anywheres near a disaster assistance location, you were asked if you were in the water.... they pulled you asside and gave you a tetnus shot... hope this is going on in the GOM areas affected.

[JQ Public]

I doubt its going on yet. But within the end of this weekend I hope they will. I hope people don't slack off as the holiday gets closer. I've heard of many people foregoing their vacation plans to give all the money they set aside for it to pay for relief efforts. If i had the money I would give it but i'm just a poor college student

[greeng13]

After Floyd came to our area here in eastern NC, if you were anywheres near a disaster assistance location, you were asked if you were in the water.... they pulled you asside and gave you a tetnus shot... hope this is going on in the GOM areas affected.

it is far more than just tetanus though...staph, hepatitis, malaria (even), botulism, dyssentary (sp?), etc....not to mention just being in close quarters with a crowd of people who may be carriers of other diseases...meningitis, flu, etc...

they need the CDC down there...some reporters (from diff. stations) are saying they need a "public health official" at the shelters outside of NO. I think you need many reps from the CDC.

[huricanwatcher]

After Floyd came to our area here in eastern NC, if you were anywheres near a disaster assistance location, you were asked if you were in the water.... they pulled you asside and gave you a tetnus shot... hope this is going on in the GOM areas affected.

it is far more than just tetanus though...staph, hepatitis, malaria (even), botulism, dyssentary (sp?), etc....not to mention just being in close quarters with a crowd of people who may be carriers of other diseases...meningitis, flu, etc...

they need the CDC down there...some reporters (from diff. stations) are saying they need a "public health official" at the shelters outside of NO. I think you need many reps from the CDC.

I was just thinking of the BEAR MINUMUM as has happened with much of the so called relief effort so far

[Mac]

After Floyd came to our area here in eastern NC, if you were anywheres near a disaster assistance location, you were asked if you were in the water.... they pulled you asside and gave you a tetnus shot... hope this is going on in the GOM areas affected.

it is far more than just tetanus though...staph, hepatitis, malaria (even), botulism, dyssentary (sp?), etc....not to mention just being in close quarters with a crowd of people who may be carriers of other diseases...meningitis, flu, etc...

they need the CDC down there...some reporters (from diff. stations) are saying they need a "public health official" at the shelters outside of NO. I think you need many reps from the CDC.

The Mid-TN Med Reserve Corps is sending public health professionals as we speak.

[greeng13]

gotcha huricanwatcher....they need decontamination showers in there...not just regular showers.

[greeng13]

"The Mid-TN Med Reserve Corps is sending public health professionals as we speak."--by Mac

good news Mac!

[Mac]

"The Mid-TN Med Reserve Corps is sending public health professionals as we speak."--by Mac

good news Mac!

Yep. Got this email today from the director of the TN Medical Reserve Corps today:

"Members of the Middle Tennessee Medical Reserve Corps (MTMRC) are being processed for deployment to the Hurricane Katrina area. The first round will primarily be physicians, nurses, mental health professionals, public health professionals, logistical support and admin staff."

[southerngreen]

i'd like to believe there are only 144 dead in MS, but i fear many many more is likely accurate. From the aireials i've seen ALL residences/structures within 1/4 mile of the gulf from Biloxi westward to Slidell/NO are severely damaged from the storm surge, and there are many of those same structures where all that is left is the concrete foundation slab

You would think everyone who lived within 10 miles (at a MINIMUM) would have evacuated. If a cat5 was in the GOM headed in my general direction, I would evacuate even if I lived 30 miles inland! I just don't get it.

there are SO many people who have no means to evacuate. some are elderly or financially strapped people who depend on buses just to go to the grocery store. some have health problems that keep them from going anywhere except to the dr. office. IF they have family in other areas they usually don't show up on the doorstep to take them away from the danger. and IF they did, how many false alarms would they leave for?(we have the identical problem in the Tampa/St. Pete area of FL)
we left 4 times last year - fortunately we have somewhere to go to and the means to go, but we are self-employed and how many times can most people leave?
it is a complex and extremely sad situation. bottom line - we should all be looking out for each other.

BTW - we took along a family of 5 & their 3 dogs & a snake, plus one mother-in-law and we invited at least 8 others (family & friends) who declined.

[huricanwatcher]

i'd like to believe there are only 144 dead in MS, but i fear many many more is likely accurate. From the aireials i've seen ALL residences/structures within 1/4 mile of the gulf from Biloxi westward to Slidell/NO are severely damaged from the storm surge, and there are many of those same structures where all that is left is the concrete foundation slab

You would think everyone who lived within 10 miles (at a MINIMUM) would have evacuated. If a cat5 was in the GOM headed in my general direction, I would evacuate even if I lived 30 miles inland! I just don't get it.

AFTER ALL the media hype after all the last storms , and i am not saying they were not bad, just the build up and the let down in many areas - people are having a hard time believing everything they see on TV

[Mac]

On a happier note...

I am very proud of the staff and students of Vanderbilt University. Watching them all come together to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina has been an awe-inspiring experience. Students are withdrawing from their fall classes to go the Gulf Coast to render aid. Faculty, staff, and medical personnel are taking unpaid time off work to respond to the area as well. And I'm very proud of our chancellor, Gordon Gee, who wrote to all of us:

Dear members of the Vanderbilt community,

Our entire University responds in sympathy and sorrow to the horrific devastation of the Gulf Coast by Hurricane Katrina.

Students, faculty, and staff who hail from Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, as well as those of you with families in the region of disaster: please know that our hearts and minds are with you at this time. You will have all the support that is ours to give.

And to all of Vanderbilt: the same ideals which bring us to live, study, and work together in community require a compassionate response from us. Please know that Vanderbilt is developing opportunities for our staff, students, and faculty to participate in relief efforts. As an institution, we are committed to helping, and also to enabling the members of our community to help to the extent they are able and needed.

Our only option is to respond. No other option exists, or is even possible.

We will keep you alerted to opportunities to respond as they arise. In the meantime, please keep those affected by this disaster in your attention and within your compassion.

Cordially,
Gordon Gee

I'm sorry the national media neither knows nor reports on such heart-warming displays of American good will and determination.