Katrina Aftermath Satellite Imaging

By now, you've probably seen the DigitalGlobe image of the New Orleans flooding. I've seen it broadcast on the local news several times already. If you visit digitalglobe.com, they offer their analysis of the flooding in .PDF form. It's an interesting view of exactly where the levee breaks are located, and the extent of flooding in the area. The best example of what I'm talking about would be the images below which DigitalGlobe provided for free use in editorials:

This is a before image (click for a larger image)

image provided by DigitalGlobe

This is the after image (click for a larger image)

image provided by DigitalGlobe

So now you can find the satellite images and spend some time checking out the flooding and damage caused by Katrina. If you would like to donate to the evacuees, go to www.redcross.org.

I live in the suburbs of Houston, and my wife is a public school teacher. Tuesday, the affected children staying in our area have been invited to attend school. Texas has waived the usual requirements for registration and will allow these children to attend Texas schools. It may not affect the school my wife teaches at because there are not many hotels or apartments near her school.

The Houston area understands the gravity of this situation. If you remember, tropical storm Allison hit Houston in 2001. Extensive flooding occurred in surrounding areas, and many people were trapped in their homes without food, electricity, and water while Allison dropped 37" of rain over a 5 day period. It doesn't compare to New Orleans though, because when Allison broke up, the water dried up and life went on. New Orleans is located below sea level, so the water will have to be pumped out instead of dried up. I've heard estimates of taking several weeks to pump all the water out of New Orleans. Until then, residence will have to find a place to stay. The good news is Houston has given an open invitation to all evacuees.