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[Hogisbald]

Originally Posted by fli$

Yeah, those idiots, I mean seriously, to build a city in an area which may fall victim to extreme enviromental conditions? So dumb, they really should just abandon the whole thing, whats the point? One day it will happen again and man will they feel stupid. While they're at it they might aswell abandon most of California, I mean, earthquakes? Who would be stupid enough to build cities which might fall victim to earthquakes? Hawaii too, all those volcanos and tsunamis! Building in these places is just pointless, even if these kind of disasters to this scale very rarely happen, its better to just not run the risk. And those people who suffer from the effects of drought and famine in Africa, it's their own stupid faults for inhabiting these places in the first place!

Seriously, to all these people that are saying "it's their own faults for living there" wise up. Yes, people live there, build there. Why not? You can't abandon entire areas because of the risk of environmental disasters. Hurricane Katrina is the biggest hurricane recorded since 1900, the second biggest was Hurricane Camille in 1969 - which came to shore in the exact same place as Katrina. Camille completely destroyed southern MS then, but in the past 36 years the economy has boomed, casinos were legalised which has brought tourism and business to MS which in turn has brought in millions of dollars to the once very poor state and has created thousands of jobs. What would have happened if they just abandoned the area after Camille? After the paper companies moved on there would be no proper economy and nothing bringing money or jobs into the state, leaving people stuck in a poverty trap. I'm not saying MS is now a fantastic place or anything, but it's a hell of a lot better than it used to be. All because of the businesses and attractions on the coast.
Much and much the same with New Orleans, despite being an encredibly poor city, brings in so much money for the state of Louisiana, something which is sorely needed. The reason behind New Orleans being built in the first place was the fact that it is at the mouth of the Mississippi River, making it a very important link between the north of the USA, and the Gulf of Mexico. It also made a good port when the battles between the french, english and spanish were taking place.
It will take a few years and a lot of money for everywhere affected to get back on their feet again, but storms of this size happen so rarely that it is worth it. It would be more of a disaster to abandon these places. Not to mention an incredibly immature and simpleton idea.

Anywhoo. Rant over!

I like your style Fli$

[Stripey]

well, after the reports of shootings and sniper fire, and sharks and crocodiles swimming down the streets, I recon the place is fucked.

[Hogisbald]

Originally Posted by gridlock

well, after the reports of shootings and sniper fire, and sharks and crocodiles swimming down the streets, I recon the place is fucked.

It is. Apart from the Mardis Gras mentality, New Orleans is a very poor and underprivelged city. Unfortunatly, Gridlock is correct, it is a fucked city

[Frosty Jack]

"Perhaps you'd like to sign Kyoto now, Mr President?"

[Bux]

Mardi Gras = Fat Tuesday??

With a festival named like that...well. I rest my case, Waterworld is coming!!

[Alvin Starclusk]

Originally Posted by fli$

Yeah, those idiots, I mean seriously, to build a city in an area which may fall victim to extreme enviromental conditions? So dumb, they really should just abandon the whole thing, whats the point? One day it will happen again and man will they feel stupid. While they're at it they might aswell abandon most of California, I mean, earthquakes? Who would be stupid enough to build cities which might fall victim to earthquakes? Hawaii too, all those volcanos and tsunamis! Building in these places is just pointless, even if these kind of disasters to this scale very rarely happen, its better to just not run the risk. And those people who suffer from the effects of drought and famine in Africa, it's their own stupid faults for inhabiting these places in the first place!

Seriously, to all these people that are saying "it's their own faults for living there" wise up. Yes, people live there, build there. Why not? You can't abandon entire areas because of the risk of environmental disasters. Hurricane Katrina is the biggest hurricane recorded since 1900, the second biggest was Hurricane Camille in 1969 - which came to shore in the exact same place as Katrina. Camille completely destroyed southern MS then, but in the past 36 years the economy has boomed, casinos were legalised which has brought tourism and business to MS which in turn has brought in millions of dollars to the once very poor state and has created thousands of jobs. What would have happened if they just abandoned the area after Camille? After the paper companies moved on there would be no proper economy and nothing bringing money or jobs into the state, leaving people stuck in a poverty trap. I'm not saying MS is now a fantastic place or anything, but it's a hell of a lot better than it used to be. All because of the businesses and attractions on the coast.
Much and much the same with New Orleans, despite being an encredibly poor city, brings in so much money for the state of Louisiana, something which is sorely needed. The reason behind New Orleans being built in the first place was the fact that it is at the mouth of the Mississippi River, making it a very important link between the north of the USA, and the Gulf of Mexico. It also made a good port when the battles between the french, english and spanish were taking place.
It will take a few years and a lot of money for everywhere affected to get back on their feet again, but storms of this size happen so rarely that it is worth it. It would be more of a disaster to abandon these places. Not to mention an incredibly immature and simpleton idea.

Anywhoo. Rant over!

Maybe, but the original dwellings that these cities were founded on were built by settlers who would have had very little idea of the potential consequences (having never experienced such conditions). To carry on building IN TO the flood plain, is surely - as someone who isn't a city planner - pure stupidity. Nature fucked over man and his defences.

The fact that they're talking of spending billions of dollars rebuilding the place defies belief. Here's a crazy idea. Start building 50 miles up the Mississippi on somewhere that isn't a flood plain, and the vast majority of the city would stay standing and un-watered come a massive, freak hurricane.

And to be fair, people that build on fault lines deserve every fucking thing they get. Christ, I knew in primary 7 that it'd be a stupid idea to live on one...

[MarkJDelaney]

The whole thing is completely unbelievable. I'm in complete shock when I see/hear it on the news - it;s like it's from a film.

Martial law is also in place in some select areas of the city at the moment, scary thought. It's a real damn shame, and I can't see them recovering the city once this is "all over". I think New Orleans as we knew it will become the new "City Of Atlantis".

Thoughts go out to all those affected.

I thought they were thick but this has just bowled me over

Shooting at the people trying to rescue them!

[Stripey]

to be honest, I find it difficult to feel any sympathy for these people, considering the global context.

[fli$]

Originally Posted by Alvin Starclusk

Maybe, but the original dwellings that these cities were founded on were built by settlers who would have had very little idea of the potential consequences (having never experienced such conditions). To carry on building IN TO the flood plain, is surely - as someone who isn't a city planner - pure stupidity. Nature fucked over man and his defences.

The fact that they're talking of spending billions of dollars rebuilding the place defies belief. Here's a crazy idea. Start building 50 miles up the Mississippi on somewhere that isn't a flood plain, and the vast majority of the city would stay standing and un-watered come a massive, freak hurricane.

Fair point, granted 50 miles up the mississippi you would still get hurricane damage.
The point I am trying to make is that you cannot abandon locations just because every so often something like this happens. Everyone in the south know the risks are there. This does not make them stupid. It means that they have evaluated the risks and feel that due to the unlikeliness of this kind of thing happening, it is worth their while rebuilding and continuing with their lives.
I am not trying to start a debate or an argument with anyone, I just get slightly offended when people come out with such narrow minded, ignorant and simpleton statements.