Katrina Aftermath - St. Charles Parish

St. Charles Parish is expected to play a major role in helping in the recovery of New Orleans. It's reported that the Louisiana State Police has commandeered the Ramada Inn in St. Rose next to the airport as their headquarters for the metro area.

In general, all of the West Bank seems to have escaped major damage from wind and flooding. The East Bank was hit harder and has some flooding problems. Trees have been snapped into pieces, blown down, or uprooted. Many structures have moderate to minor wind damage on both sides of the river.

It's reported that 150 National Guard will arrive soon to help with law enforcement.

Here is the latest status from local authorities:

- There is no electric power.

- Gasoline is in short supply.

- Bracketing the Mississippi River upstream of New Orleans, St. Charles Parish was blanketed by a storm surge from Lake Pontchartrain on the East Bank which contaminated the water supply. The West Bank was able to maintain minimum pressure in the water system throughout the hurricane. Consequently, there is a BOIL ORDER for the East Bank of St. Charles Parish.

- St. Charles Sheriff's Deputies are patrolling neighborhoods and businesses around the clock. There has been no looting. [ed. note: One report says four people were arrested trying to break into Wal-Mart. Other reports describe looting taking place in Ama, Boutte, and Luling.]

- Most highways have been cleared of debris and are open.

- Efforts are underway to clear tree limbs from power lines to restore electricity.

- No businesses are open.

- On the East Bank, damage assessment of St. Rose, Airline Hwy and Ormond Blvd., all affected by storm surge, is ongoing.

- Parish schools have been inspected and will reopen when power is restored.

- "Residents who have evacuated are advised to please remain where they are. Any residents who feel they must return home are reminded to bring enough food home with them, since there are no stores opened at this time. In addition, residents are reminded that fuel for vehicles will probably be unavailable. No pharmacies are open for refilling prescriptions."

- The sewer system is not fully functional.

Once again, residents are asked to remain where they are for the time being. That said, roads into St. Charles Parish are open (see here). You will have to present identification as a resident to get in. Bring food.