Katrina in Gretna and Terrytown - Jefferson Parish West Bank

Not much news is being spread about the hurricane damage on the west bank of the Mississippi River. The national media have largely ignored it. Doing a lot of reading through various forums, I've been able to compile some information that will hopefully give readers a general sense of the current status of the cities of Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, and Marrero.

- Since the eye of Katrina passed on the east side of the cities, winds were primarily from the north which tended to blow storm surge waters out of the area. As a result, generalized flooding of 2 to 3 feet has only been reported south of Lapalco Blvd. To the north of Lapalco, it's reported that flooding is scattered, localized, and mostly just in the streets.

- There are no services. Power, water, and sewage systems are shut down.

- Wind damage is everywhere throughout the West Bank. Downed trees, tree limbs, and power poles make roads impassable. Many buildings have minor roof damage, some have lost their roofs. Shingles, signs, branches, general debris are strewn widely.

- Along Manhattan Blvd. and the Westbank Expressway, a number of businesses have suffered major damage. It's suspected that tornado winds touched down along Manhattan and, also, in the vicinity of Terry Parkway and Carol Sue where buildings have reportedly been leveled. Significant wind damage to structures along Stumpf Blvd has been reported.

- It's reported that looters have taken shots at the cops on at least one occasion. Looting of Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, and other stores has been reported but little at residences. Some neighborhoods are reported to have armed citizen patrols. Police are closely monitoring people roaming the streets.

- Since New Orleans is flooded, restoration of power will have to wait until the water recedes. Consequently, trucks and workers are free to work on the West Bank, which they are doing. One report says that power may be restored to some areas tonight.

- One report states that land line telephones seem to be working in some areas. Cell phones are still out.

From a press release:

Jefferson Parish President Aaron Broussard has issued the following statement:

"Jefferson Parish is not a safe place to return to at this time. Therefore, I am exercising my authority under the Louisiana Disaster Act and issuing a 'lock out' order for all Jefferson Parish citizens until 6 a.m. on Monday, September 5th.

I have asked the Governor to utilize the State Police and National Guard for assistance in this mandatory lockout. This time will be needed to clear debris from streets so people can enter Jefferson Parish at their own risk.

We are at a catastrophic, disastrous impasse. There are a tremendous amount of trees down, gas leaks, low water pressure, and downed electrical lines which could start a fire that we have no way of putting out. There are no traffic controls. Many places are still flooded and this standing water will become toxic.

Jefferson Parish emergency managers will need this time to at least clear major East/West thoroughfares so that you can enter Jefferson Parish. However, I strongly suggest that you just come here to gather more belongings and leave, as it will still be a dangerous place. I cannot stress strongly enough that there will be no stores to purchase food or supplies so please do so prior to coming back to Jefferson Parish.

Try to stay with friends and relatives out of the hurricane affected area during the weeks to come. We cannot sustain any viable quality of life in Jefferson Parish at this time or for some time to come."

Be aware that there have been rumors of the "lockout order" being extended past Monday, September 5.

In summary, while there are disturbing reports of some structures being totally destroyed, the news from Gretna and Terrytown indicates that wind damage, although widespread, appears to be fixable and that flooding damage is minimal. Harvey has experienced similar wind damage, however, there is general flooding close to the canal, usually reported at less than six inches, and attributed to debris in storm drains. One report from Marrero indicates that the city has only minor damage.

Significantly, thus far there have been no reports of fatalities from Katrina in Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, nor Marrero.


[Update 9/01/05, 1800 EDT]

Looters set fire to the Oakwood Shopping Center in Terrytown just before 1300 CDT today. According to Bryan Adams of the Terrytown Volunteer Fire Department, firefighters attempted to douse the blaze with water from a canal but gave up after an hour. The fire had been intentionally set in multiple locations by the scum bastard looters.