Spring Break
Hurricane slams into New Orleans
ND students worry about loved ones in path violent storm
Observer News
Issue date: 8/30/05 Section: News
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Touted in a National Weather Service statement as a "potentially catastrophic and life-threatening" event, Hurricane Katrina had already demonstrated its aptitude for violence by Thursday - claiming seven lives in Florida as a mere Category 1 storm.
That same statement warned of the storm's ability to obliterate mobile homes and other "poorly-constructed dwellings." More stable buildings were also labeled as at-risk areas as the National Weather Service warned residents of New Orleans that Katrina also had the capacity to cause serious damage to even well-built structures.
Keeping in touch
Senior Brandon Hall - who lives within New Orleans city limits - said he has spoken to his family and friends, but with difficulty. Tied up phone lines have made communication difficult, he said.
"I've spoken with family and friends. Some are scared, and others are dealing with the situation well," Hall said. "None of my family or friends have been through a hurricane this intense, so a lot of people are really panicking."
Other students, like freshman Paul Cordes, have also faced difficulty in contacting friends and family back home.
"I've spoken with my immediate family three times, but it has been extremely difficult to get in touch with them because the cell phone circuits have been overloaded," Cordes said.
Sophomore Calleen Jones said her family is handling the situation "pretty well."
"They tried to bring as many family mementos as possible," Jones said. "My main focus is knowing that my family is safe. Other material things can be replaced, but my family cannot."
Although students were outwardly concerned about the hurricane's capacity for widespread damage, some, like senior Meg Henican, found solace in the assured safety of their loved ones.
"Of course I'm nervous about the damage that will be done, but I know my family and friends are safe, and that's what is important," Henican said.
Fleeing or facing Katrina
New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin declared a state of emergency in the region Sunday and told the more than one million residents of the greater New Orleans area not to panic but also to demonstrate extreme vigilance. A mandatory evacuation ordered locals to flee the region immediately.