Chris,
The problem and failure of the government of the area was well known even in the 80's. My wife and I have friends, now missing, who live in the Algiers section of the city and we spent a week with them during the World's Fair. The levees were in bad shape then and it was all talk and no action to strengthen them even then. It is amazing that the pumps work as well as they do. Even during simple rains, power is sometimes lost. The people have been complacent and allowed themselves to have a false sense of security. Past hurricanes did not do enough damage to get the people concerend. There were no real plans or equipment ready in case of a levee failure. Those who were concerend were out numbered by those who thought it could be put off for the time being, or was not a top priority.
Katrina should be a wake up call that it CAN and WILL happen, regardless of the type of natural disaster. I fear many will blame everyone but themselves or figure the Federal Government is to blame, or if the weather service had done its job, they would have warned everyone to the danger!
It will be very interesting to watch all of this play itself out and see if any government officials and residents get the point. WE are all going to pay for their lack of preparedness in many ways and for many years. I hope this makes our state and its residents realize, it CAN happen and WILL happen.
Like the Boy Scout Motto says, Be Prepared!
Well, I have to go and check my supplies now, the quake activity in the Southern desert tells me time is running out?
Bob in Woodland Hills