I am personally astounded that today, nearly nine years after Hurricane Katrina, the impact of the storm is still so apparent. After exploring the city, there is not a question in my mind about the area that has felt the most enduring ripple waves. The Lower 9th Ward has had only a 30% return rate compared with the 85% return rates in predominantly white neighborhoods that were afforded the luxury of having the resources and manpower to recover more swiftly. Homes are still in shambles. Water damage decorates the interior and exterior walls. Entire city blocks are abandoned as the New Orleans government considers selling these lots for the price of the monthly lawn-mowing bills. When walking by rampaged structures, the following symbols are a common sight.
First of all, this signage decorates the side of a functioning school in the 9th Ward. Schools were generally refugee locations during the storm so 1400 could refer to the number of people residing in the school at the time that it was checked and the - indicating that no people were dead. CATFZ is once again the organization that searched the school.
Secondly, while the X spray paint system was fairly ubiquitous, there wasn't nearly as much consistency when indicating date of inspection, inspection organization, number of people present, etc. This example of Hurricane Katrina labeling could very well just be a perfect demonstration of the unorganized nature of the recovery efforts.
Katrina reigned down both the literal and figurative floodwaters on this eclectic and diverse city. While the water has receded, the storm still weighs heavily on the minds and hearts of the residents, particularly in less affluent areas.
This is all really interesting. I want more. Send more pictures and explanations.
ReplyDeleteThe devastation of Hurricane Katrine peeled back complex layers of the American South, and for a brief time, shined a spotlight on this amazing city of ambiguities. Rebuilding is arduous at best. I hope that on some level homesteading is considered as a possible option. I think of the old west and those settler efforts. ...
ReplyDeleteIt also occurs to me that with respect to citizens/residents returning to New Orleans - those who couldn't afford to evacuate in the first place, and were resettled in the aftermath, probably cannot afford to return now. It reminds me of a forest after a fire. Eventually it does regrow.
Although your efforts, and this of your team, are but a drop in the ocean, it is a drop nevertheless.
I hope that as you hammer each nail and paint each board, you respect the past that is New Orleans, honor the future you are helping to build.
Margaret Bruce