What could have been done to prevent the traffic jams out of Houston?
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Here's the part of FEMA's National Situation Update for Thursday, September 22, 2005 relating to hurricane Rita:
Hurricane Rita has turned into a potentially catastrophic Category 5 Hurricane with wind speeds of 175 mph and is now barreling straight for the Texas Gulf Coast . Rita is expected to make landfall Friday night or early Saturday, but conditions will begin to deteriorate much earlier. Heavy rains associated with Rita are forecast to begin to affect the western and central Gulf Coast areas Thursday night and Friday. Rita is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 8-12 inches with isolated maximum amounts of 15 inches from the central Texas coast to southwestern Louisiana . Rainfall amounts of 2-4 inches will be possible across southern Louisiana , including the New Orleans area. Residents and visitors along the entire Texas Gulf Coast have been warned to take appropriate preparedness measures. In most threatened areas, local and state officials have ordered mandatory evacuations to inland areas that are less threatened by the storm. Local, State, and Federal officials are coordinating emergency preparedness activities from Joint Field Offices in Austin ( Texas ) and Baton Rouge ( Louisiana ).
At 5:00 am EDT Thursday the center of Hurricane Rita was located near latitude 24.9 north, longitude 88.0 west or about 515 miles southeast of Galveston , Texas and about 615 miles east-southeast of Corpus Christi , Texas . Rita is moving toward the west near 9 mph and this general motion is expected to continue during the next 24 hours. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center and Tropical Storm force winds extend outward up to 185 miles.
A Hurricane Watch is now in effect for the Gulf of Mexico coast from Port Mansfield, Texas to Intracoastal City , Louisiana . A Hurricane Warning will likely be required for portions of the Hurricane Watch area later today.
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the southeastern coast of Louisiana east of Morgan City to the mouth of the Mississippi River .
A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect on either side of the Hurricane Watch area from east of Intracoastal City to Morgan City, Louisiana and from south of Port Mansfield to Brownsville, Texas.
After Rita moves inland, total rainfall accumulations of 5-10 inches will be possible over eastern Texas and central and eastern Oklahoma during Saturday and Sunday. ( National Hurricane Center )
Although Rita is expected to make landfall by late Friday, storm surge along the Gulf coast is expected to begin on Thursday with heavy rainfall on Friday morning. Houston and Galveston are under mandatory evacuation orders. The evacuation of approximately 1.5 million Texans is unprecedented. Texas state officials have identified 750 buses and 3 trains that will be used for evacuations. They have also identified evacuation routes and shelters that will be used by evacuees. Texas State Transportation officials have been tasked to ensure that evacuation routes are clear and flowing. Texas Department of Public Safety assets will assist with evacuation efforts. Texas Governor Perry has activated 5,000 National Guard personnel to assist with evacuation process.
Louisiana officials have developed contingency plans for the storm's actions. Approximately 13,000 residents in New Orleans have been evacuated from south of Interstate 10 to higher ground as a precautionary measure. New Orleans has requested an additional 300 buses for evacuation of residents. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are working diligently to shore up areas of levee breaches in New Orleans . For planning purposes, the distance from Galveston (TX) to the Texas/Louisiana border is 85 miles, and the distance from the Texas/Louisiana border to New Orleans (LA) is 235 miles.
State, and Regional and Federal Emergency Operations Centers in the Gulf Coast area continue to maintain 24/7 operations to prepare for Rita's landfall. Emergency Response teams and supplies and equipment continue to be deployed to areas near the Gulf Coast areas. FEMA has deployed 11 National Disaster Medical System teams and 14 Urban Search & Rescue teams to Texas . FEMA has coordinated with the Department of Defense to pre-stage large quantities of essential commodities including water, ice, food, tarps, and generators in locations in both Louisiana and Texas .
Florida has cancelled the State of Emergency and m andatory evacuations for the southern counties and residents are being allowed to return to their homes and businesses. ( National Hurricane Center , DHS, FEMA Region IV and Region VI, media sources)
FEMA-3260-EM Emergency Declaration for Louisiana for emergency protective measures for Hurricane Rita was signed by the President on September 21, 2005.
FEMA-3261-EM Emergency Declaration for Texas for emergency protective measures for Hurricane Rita was also signed by the President on September 21, 2005. (FEMA HQ)
Here's the EPA's Response Activity for Thursday, September 22, 2005 relating to hurricane Katrina:
Public Information – On 9/19, EPA posted on its Web site an extensive list of questions and answers regarding flood water, drinking water, wastewater, human health, air issues, sediment, oil spills and superfund sites, asbestos, debris, and fuel waivers.
Sediment Sampling – On 9/22, EPA continued posting analytical results of sediment sampling from New Orleans. On 9/16 based on the initial results of this data, EPA recommended avoiding all contact with the sediment, where possible, due to the presence of E. coli and fuel oils. In the event contact occurs, EPA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly advise the use of soap and water, if available, to clean the exposed areas, and the removal of contaminated clothing.
EPA-CDC Report – EPA and CDC formed a joint task force to advise local and state officials of the potential health and environmental risks associated with returning to the City of New Orleans. The initial Environmental Health Needs & Habitability Assessment (http://www.epa.gov/katrina/reports/envneeds_hab_assessment.html) issued 9/17 identifies a number of barriers to be overcome and critical decisions to be made prior to re-inhabiting New Orleans.
Debris Assessment and Collection – EPA is conducting air monitoring at debris burn sites in Louisiana. EPA teams continue collection of household hazardous wastes (HHW) and orphan containers in the hurricane affected area. In addition, EPA personnel continue to offer technical assistance in the disposal of hazardous waste and other debris left behind by the storm. As of 9/21, EPA has collected in excess of 29,750 HHW/orphan containers throughout the affected region.
Drinking Water Assessment – n the LA affected area, there are a total of 683 drinking water facilities that served approximately 2.8 million people. As of 9/21, EPA has determined that 534 of these facilities are operational, 19 are operating on a boil water notice and 130 are either inoperable or their status is unknown. In the MS affected area, there are a total of 1,368 drinking water facilities that served approximately 3,219,690 people. EPA has determined that 1,181 of these facilities are operational, 147 are operating on a boil water notice and 40 are either inoperable or their status is unknown. In the AL affected area, there are a total of 72 drinking water facilities that served approximately 960,682 people. EPA has determined that all 72 of these facilities are operational. It should be noted that “operational” facilities may still be in need of repair or reconstruction
Wastewater – In the LA affected area, there are a total of 122 Public Owned Treatment Works (POTW). As of 9/21, EPA has determined that 87 of these facilities are operational and 35 facilities are either not operating or their status is unknown. In the MS affected area, there are a total of 118 POTW. EPA has determined that 114 of these facilities are operational and 4 facilities are either not operating or their status is unknown. In the AL affected area, only 1 facility is not operating with 7 others having operational difficulties. It should be noted that “operational” facilities may still be in need of repair or reconstruction.
Air Monitoring – On 9/16, EPA posted results of air screening samples collected by Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzer (TAGA) buses on 9/12-13 from multiple locations in New Orleans. The screening results indicated that chemical concentrations in most areas are below Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) health standards of concern. The low level of volatile pollutants is not surprising as contaminants may be bound to the sediment. Monitoring data directly around the Murphy Oil spill revealed some slightly elevated levels of benzene and toluene that are associated with the petroleum release. Long-term exposure (a year or longer) at the levels measured would be required for health effects to be of concern.
Gulf/Mississippi Water Sampling – EPA’s ocean vessel, the Bold, is expected to be deployed 9/26 on a mission to survey the waters of the Mississippi Sound and the Gulf of Mexico in the plume of the Mississippi River. The surveys will take about three weeks to complete.
Superfund Sites - There are 16 NPL sites in the hurricane affected area of LA, 6 in AL and 3 in MS. 16 of the sites in LA have had initial assessments. Initial Rapid Assessments have been made on the 9 sites in AL and MS. EPA is still in the assessment phase, and will continue to monitor all the impacted NPL sites
Bill Would Require Safety Plans for Pets
A bill has been sponsored requiring state and local governments to include pets in their plans in order to receive federal disaster grants. Many people refused to leave New Orleans because they could not take their pets with them. More than 6,000 pets have been saved in Mississippi and Louisiana, but more than that number could still be loose in New Orleans alone.
Florida officials propose storm-ready stadium
Learning from the Superdome, and bearing in mind the fact that people from southern Florida can only head north if a hurricane is approaching, officials have come up with the idea of a super-strong baseball stadium with extra toilets, showers and cooking facilities to house people in the event of the storm. It would house the Florida Marlins, who were looking for a new stadium, and located centrally in south Florida.
Rita stories
Major Developments on Hurricane Rita
Rita heads for Texas as Category 5, Rita downgraded to Category 4
Hurricane Rita weakened from a Category 5 hurricane with winds of 175 mph (280 kph) to a Category 4 storm. It was expected to be at least a Category 3 at landfall somewhere near Galveston, Texas. It had been the third most intense Atlantic hurricane on record as measured by internal pressure.
Texas Oil Refineries Continue to Close
Oil refineries such as BP PLC's Texas City and Shell Oil's Houston refinery in the path of Hurricane Rita have been closing down, if they were not already closed because of Katrina.
Houston Residents Struggle to Get Inland, Houston Traffic Complicates Evacuation
With approximately 1.8 million residents or more in Texas and Louisiana under evacuation orders, roads leading away from hurricane Rita were totally log jammed in places, particularly those from Houston, even though the I-45 was made one-way. Many ran out of fuel and many gave up and turned back home. Hotels were full up. Houston residents own 2.7 million cars and trucks between them, but 11.6 percent of households have no car.
Mexicans Living on Texas Gulf Hurry Home
Mexicans are fleeing the Texas Gulf Coast because of Hurricane Rita and heading to Mexico, where heavy rains re expected. Mexico's Nuevo Leon state has offered help to Texas.
Rita's Rain Begins Falling in New Orleans
Hurricane Rita's rain began falling in New Orleans on Thursday, and the patched levees were unable to cope.
Papers in Rita's Path to Inform Via Web
Some Gulf Coast newspapers planned to put out the news on line as they prepared to move out of the way of Hurricane Rita.
FEMA Sets Up Office in Texas As Rita Nears
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has set up a field office in Austin, Texas. It was already there dealing with Hurricane Katrina evacuees. President Bush declared an emergency for Texas on Wednesday.
Louisiana governor urges coastal evacuation
Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco urged coastal residents to evacuate on Thursday.
Nation's Worst Storm Is Galveston's Legacy
Galveston has been hit by several named storms, but the one which destroyed the city in 1900 had no name. At least one-sixth of the city's population - 6,000 people - were killed. Afterwards the nearly 11-mile-long, 17-foot-high granite Galveston Seawall was built and the island was raised to match its height. Some houses on stilts are outside the wall on the beach.
Katrina stories
Spending Cuts May Not Defray Katrina Costs
The White House and its GOP allies in Congress want to use spending cuts to pay for Hurricane Katrina costs. They are considering Medicare, Amtrak subsidies, crop supports, grants to state and local governments and hometown projects. Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas said, "We do not have to raise taxes" and "We do not have to pass debt onto our children." One Republican plan is called "Operation Offset".
House GOP Begins Katrina Response Probe
House Republicans have begun their inquiry into the government's poor response to Hurricane Katrina. Inquiry leader Rep. Tom Davis of Virginia said, "Even armed with solid, advance information on Katrina's severity, the response of local, state, and federal officials was largely abysmal".
Insured, Insurers Battle Over Hurricane
Insurance adjusters are telling many customers that they will get nothing because their damage was caused by floods rather than wind or rain. Law suits loom. Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood has already taken the matter to court.
Big Easy District Faces Uncertain Future
The Lower Ninth Ward is one of the lowest and poorest of New Orleans' neighbourhoods and it was badly damaged by Hurricane Katrina. It is not clear what its future will be.
Sex offenders who fled Katrina are tough to track, Criminals Among Katrina Refugees Sought, Storm Donations Found at Official's Home
There are up to 4,500 sex offenders among tens of thousands of people evacuated by Hurricane Katrina, of whom 270 are higher risk. Many have not checked in. The criminal records of refugees seeking help are also being checked.
Acting on complaints, police found substantial quantities of food, clothing and tools intended for hurricane victims at the home of the chief administrative officer for a New Orleans suburb - apparently more than could be accounted for by the fact that city officials are often hurricane victims themselves.
Katrina's Death Toll Climbs Past 1,000
The death toll in Louisiana reached 799 on Wednesday, bringing the overall total to 1,036.
Other stories
Scientists: You Can't Modify Hurricanes
Atmospheric scientists say it's impossible for humans to modify the strength or direction of individual storms - it's been tried in the past in a federal government programme called Project Stormfury without success.
Names for Storms, Hurricanes Running Out
With few names beginning with q, u, x, y and z, the list of names for tropical storms each year is 21 letters long, and there have already been 17 this year with the season not ending until Nov. 30. If Stan, Tammy, Vince and Wilma get used, then the 24 letters of the Greek alphabet will be used for the first time, beginning with Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta. 1933 is the only year in which there have been 21 storms since record-keeping began in 1851.
Minn. Storm Brings Reports of Outages
A severe thunderstorm in central Minnesota knocked out power Wednesday evening. The wind reached 68mph and one person was killed in Minneapolis.
Proposed Sites Narrowed for Nuclear Plant
There has not been a new nuclear power plant built in the United States for 30 years. A consortium of utilities has narrowed the potential locations for new ones to sites of existing plants at the Grand Gulf power plant near Port Gibson, Mississippi and at another near Scottsboro, Alabama.
Are Europe's farmers warming to GMO maize?
Farmers in France, Germany, Portugal, Spain and the Czech Republic have begun to grow genetically modified (GMO) maize commercially.
Honda Unveils New Hybrid Civic
Honda Motor Co. has a new hybrid Civic which will be sold first in Japan, and later in North America and Europe.
Washington Plans Exhibit for Baby Panda
The National Zoo in Washington hopes to put its new baby panda on display in November. Born on July 9, it is already nearly 2 feet long and weighs about ten pounds.
UNICEF warns of malaria epidemic in Ethiopia
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) says that tens of thousands of Ethiopian children could die of malaria if enough money is note donated for medicine.
Flu researchers slam US for hoarding data--journal
A report in the journal Nature says that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reluctant to share their influenza information, jeopardising the choice of which is the best vaccine to produce each year.
Vietnam Gets Donation of Bird Flu Drug
Taiwan has donated 600,000 tablets of the bird flu drug Tamiflu to Vietnam. Vietnam is planning to buy a further 70,000 tablets. 63 people in the region have died of the disease, 44 of them in Vietnam.
WHO cautious over Indonesia bird flu outbreak, Indonesia Braces for Bird Flu Deaths, Ten under bird flu watch in Indonesia hospital, Close contact could see humans spread bird flu: WHO
With a new case identified in Indonesia, the World Health Organization (WHO) says that the bird flu outbreak there is not necessarily worsening and there have been no confirmed cases of human to human transmission, an essential step if a pandemic is to occur. Very close contact could make it possible for one person to infect another. There are 11 suspected cases at present, and further deaths are possible. The government has stepped up efforts and has bought some Tamiflu.
Senate OKs $100B Agriculture, Drug Bill, Senate blocks privatization of food stamp work
The $100 billion Agriculture Department annual funding bill passed by the U.S. Senate would, among other things, ban "downer" livestock from being used as food, a precaution against mad cow disease.
Rural Alaska Towns Struggle to Stay Afloat
Dozens of rural communities across Alaska are facing serious financial problems since the state ended a revenue-sharing program and matching grants, and some have shut down. The program enabled villages to perform maintenance and small construction projects. The programs were vetoed by the governor when the state had financial programs, but rising oil prices have wiped out the state's budget gap.
Empty Nuclear Waste Container Tips Over
An empty spent nuclear fuel container on a train tipped over Thursday in a collision but there was no damage or radiation leak.
OSHA Levies Record Fine After BP Blast
BP Products North America was fined $21 million for an explosion at the Texas City refinery which killed 15 people.
Index of topics in this series.
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