Katrina Aftermath - More West Bank

According to this report from Marrero, Keith Plaisance drove from Westwego down the length of Barataria Blvd. and found no flooding. Trees and fences have been blown down, but no major structural damage to buildings. He continued all the way down LA 45 to Lafitte, snapping over a hundred pictures. Check out his site for pictures (click on Westbank images) and travel info.

Also from Marrero, Volunteer Fire Chief Perry Leblanc said that there's no evidence of flooding but downed trees and power lines make roads impassable. However, Lapalco is clear.

Note that the National Guard and State Police have established checkpoints on roads to the West Bank, so identification is needed. Also, do not plan on traveling anywhere in southeast Louisiana without plenty of food, gas, and water. Realize that you cannot escape the heat, the humidity, nor the bugs.

Bad news, gangs are now roaming Terrytown, attacking businesses and homes. People are beaten if they stayed. Be advised that New Orleans Mayor Nagin directed people to walk across the bridge to the West Bank for help. They did and they are now looting Gretna, Algiers, and Terrytown. Some looters may be local residents going criminal. Do not go to the Westbank without protection. It's becoming more and more dangerous.

Here's a report from last night:

People who are wondering about FEMA and RED CROSS: They had to pull out, they were scared for their lives and will return when everything is under control.

TO GRETNA RESIDENTS: Gretna police and/or firemen have all exits into gretna from the highrise is closed. They have people walking from across the river and they are making them walk down further to westwego. They are not letting anyone walk down gretna ramps or drive down them....

There are some people that are still getting in because of course we can not close all entrances into the city but they are being dealt with. There are some people that are walking in the streets, etc. but are being watched closely. My family says they feel better that they have seen what a great job our gretna firemen and policemen are doing, they have it under control for now!!! but are scared that it will get worse so thats why they need the national guard helping us since people are fleeing the eastbank in crowds.

Today the army, national guard has set up camp at the alario center in Westwego, they are working out of there and helping both east & westbank, so again hopefully they will control the crowds from coming over the bridge.

TO TERRYTOWN RESIDENTS: There are problems of looting in Terrytown, one house burned in TT but dont know where. Oakwood of course has burned and looters are on the streets. In some places they do have gangs but they are TRYING to get it under control. I dont know much details as to where the looting is a problem, not all of TT but some of it, like behrman hwy area I heard is a problem. Some people say they are going home today or tommorrow and I would not advise this because it is not under control yet.[sic all]

Last night, apparently Parish President Broussard met with Sheriff Harry Lee and put together an action plan to lock down the West Bank. I'm not sure what will come of it, but at least some actions are being taken to control the criminals.