Day 8 Early PM Update: Re-entry, Rumors

The latest from the ground:

• The city is buttoned-down and the troops everywhere. With the eager help of local law enforcement, folks are starting to clear/clean the streets of Uptown and the Garden District. Simultaneously, they also attend to corpses (yes, of all varieties) around these areas.
• Contrary to some reports, the police actually want locals to remain for the cleanup and rebuilding effort.
• Power to the Central Business District (CBD) will supposedly be restored by tonight. The plan is to bring power back up to the unaffected parts of the city starting from there,
• No one remains, but the Convention Center is an absolute, filthy mess and cleanup efforts are underway.
• A “ton of food and bottled water” has now entered New Orleans. Food includes canned goods, dried fruits and veggies and other non-perishables.
• FEMA and the rest of the city are fighting over whether to evacuate the remaining residents or keep them so they start working on rebuilding the city. As long as residents do not venture out into flooded and unsafe zones and with a large military presence, residents don’t understand the sense in being kicked out. Everyone is (understandably) mad at FEMA – it is becoming more and more obvious that their main concern is bureaucracy and “the proper way” (whatever that is), and not putting the willing to work.

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Some friends have started a non-profit with donations that will coordinate some building contractor and housing efforts in and around the city. I’ve offered to build and maintain the website for the project and will keep you appraised on details as they develop. Meanwhile, it would be great if someone can provide me with information on an Internet Service Provider (ISP) that is willing to offer server access and space and a domain name for free.

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Re-entry: Jefferson Parish residents are allowed to re-enter “as long as they [show] a valid ID proving residency, [have] food, [have] a full tank of gas and [don’t] drink the water.” An after-dark curfew is also in place. Traffic is backed up already – remember what I said about everyone rushing the city at once? Ever heard of phased re-entry?

Rumors: No, we cannot go back to Orleans Parish just yet, at least not officially. In fact, people are still being asked to stay out as long as possible. Along with waterlogged homes and the lack of amenities, water-borne disease is a concern, especially West Nile virus, tetanus and dysentery. Doctors everywhere advise New Orleanians to get all of their shots up to date before going back home.

Going back home. Sigh.