Hurricane Isaac Seven Years since Katrina

It's been seven years to the day - August 28th 2005 -  that Katrina hit New Orleans and now Hurricane Isaac, upgraded from a tropical storm to a category one hurricane today (and some reports say category two), is lumbering its way to NOLA. Let's pray that its impact is not anywhere near as severe as Katrina. News reports even now that one hundred thousand in Orleans Parish are without power and Isaac is expected to make landfall near 1AM. Best updates are on NOLA.com

It makes me remember that it's almost seven years since I went to New Orleans for Katrina relief efforts. I was supposed to stay for two weeks but the devastation was so widespread, I stayed for almost six months helping wherever I could. I found a calendar in one house in the Lower 9th Ward we were helping the owner gut out for renovation - the photo is below - and I was shocked when I saw how the black mold had grown over the calendar and marked the date - August 28 - with an eerie black mold silhouette of  Hurricane Katrina. I posted this on Twitpic 3 years ago, but it never ceases to make me wonder every time I see the photo.

And now here comes Isaac and it's August 28th again...

One thing I know. the people of New Orleans and all over the gulf coast are survivors and I hope none come to harm by Isaac tonight. Join me in wishing them well.

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Andy Coats