MASSIVE explosions rocked the New Orleans riverfront as chaos spread across the disaster city, and British students reported the horror of death and rape.
The early morning blasts were a few miles south of the French Quarter and jolted residents awake. The extent of any possible damage was not immediately known.
The explosions came as British students caught up in the horror of Hurricane Katrina spoke of their four days of "hell" at the New Orleans Superdome.
They described how their place of refuge descended into a scene of terror as people ran wild with knives and guns, used crack cocaine and hurled racial abuse.
Meanwhile, President Bush was coming under increasing criticism over his management of the crisis.
New Orleans' top emergency official called his government's relief effort a "national disgrace" and questioned when reinforcements would actually reach the increasingly lawless city.
Terry Ebbert, the city's head of emergency operations, added it had taken too long to evacuate the Superdome, which quickly became "a squalid shelter for tens of thousands of storm victims".
In one of the grimmest scenes, outside the New Orleans Convention Centre, an old man lay dead in a fold-up chair as hungry babies wailed around him. Around the corner, an elderly woman lay dead in her wheelchair, covered up by a blanket, and another body lay beside her.
Tourists, meanwhile, were turned out of hotels to face terror on the streets. Debbie Durso of Washington, Michigan, said she asked a police officer for assistance and his response was, "Go to hell - it's every man for himself."
Up to 30 British students huddled among the thousands in the Superdome were forced to set up a makeshift security cordon to fend off abusive locals.
Jamie Trout, 22, an economics student from Sunderland, kept a record of his terrifying ordeal. He wrote: "It was like something out of Lord of the Flies - one minute everything is calm and civil, the next it descends into chaos. A man has been arrested for raping a seven-year-old in the toilet, this place is hell. The smell is horrendous, there are toilets overflowing and people everywhere."
Jamie, who had been coaching football to disabled children as part of the Camp America scheme, said people were shouting racial abuse at the Britons because they were white.
Protection
Zoe Smith, 21, from Hull, told how students set up a security cordon when the power briefly went down in the Superdome amid fears they were going to be attacked. "All us girls sat in the middle while the boys sat on the outside, with chairs as protection," she said.
News of the students' ordeal came as New Orleans descended into anarchy.
Louisiana governor Kathleen Blanco declared war on looters who have made the city a menacing landscape of disorder and fear.
"They have M-16s and they're locked and loaded," she said of 300 National Guard troops who landed in New Orleans fresh from duty in Iraq. "These troops know how to shoot and kill."
The chaos deepened despite the promise of 1,400 National Guardsmen a day to stop the looting, plans for a 10 billion dollar recovery bill in Congress and a government relief effort President Bush called the biggest in US history.
Meanwhile, amid fears for his safety, musician Fats Domino, 77, was photographed being rescued by boat, his daughter Karen said.
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Bush got troops to Afghanistan and Iraq faster than gettting aid to help these people! Perhaps if the majority of these
stranded people were white it might have been a different story!
Hey Canada....if the city were filled with white residents....this wouldn't be happening! They would have left the city when the mayor told them to evacuate. I feel sorry for the white people left behind...they will be targets....and you know it.
USA is always giving help and assistance to the world, where help when we need it? This is not about white or black but total devastation on a wide scale.
George you are a racist!
I really doubt that comments blaming the lack of support for stranded people on the colour of there skin are constructive or in any way helpful. People should be premoting unity in times of national disaster not spreading discord. God's Speed to all the people that need help, God Bless them
What a farce. I too feel a lot of this is race related. Watched CNN and listened to a nice upper-class white lady talk of being rescued during the first few hours of the aftermath with armed gaurds and personal escorts. She was still so dissapointed from having to have slept on the floor of the Ritz Carlton for one night! Meanwhile, others sleep on the ground amid feces and dead bodies? What is the world coming to? It is quite distrubing.
How happy is the US that they voted for Bush now. Perhaps in the next election people will finally understand how important it is to vote and to understand who it is they are voting for. Look at his history America it truely spoke for itself.
To the previous poster: Oh please, look at Mississippi and the destruction areas. They ARE mostly White. They JUST got the relief just as New Orleans did several days after the hurricane. This is not about racism, except for the fact that Blacks have been violent to the Whites in the Superdome with rape and racial slurs. I need to THANK the Manchester Evening News for reporting this, as the US news will not say anything for fear of offending others.
I'm sorry for the ordeal that your British studen'ts went through in New Orleans. I think that it is proably representative of what might have happened had a disaster of the same magnatitude happened in any major city in America. Racisim is alive and well in America what most people outside of America don't realize however is that the racisim is mostly on the black side. I think a lot of the racisim is fostered by the "Black Caucus" in congress and "Reverend Jessie Jackson". Their very existence depends on keeping the race issue alive. Without it they have no viability on the political sene in America. It's always about blaming the White Man, Corporate America, the President, The Govt., Any Body. It's never about taking responsibility for anything theirselves, or the results of their rhetoric.
Being a white woman who recently moved back to the town where I was born (Burbank, a city in the middle of Los Angeles County), I have been utterly appalled at the changes wrought by the influx of Blacks, Hispanics, and people from the Middle East in this part of the USA. I never in a million years would have believed the "racist" position - until I witnessed it for myself. Sadly what is occurring in New Orleans is a reflection of the truth - that city is well known for being the most crime ridden dive in the country, with the highest murder rate, and the most corrupt police and government officials. And that city is nearly all black, and nearly all people on the dole - even though most are healthy and capable of working. Everywhere I go in my city I am constantly (I do not exaggerate) threatened and harassed because I am a blonde, blue-eyed white woman. On multiple occasions I've had people of other races scream "All white people should be slaughered!" or other plainly violent threats, throw things at me, hit or shove me etc. when I am simply going about my business. Other whites, especially women, tell me the same thing happens to them. It is a serious wide-spread problem that everyone is pretending isn't happening. Just trying to conduct basic business such as grocery shopping or riding the subway or bus turns into a problem when you are forced to deal with a bitter white-hating black or Hispanic, no matter how nice you try to be. It is completely shocking. Quotas and rules forcing schools to promote minorities who can't pass tests etc. are literally destroying cities all over the United States. I'm old enough now to have witnessed that, indeed, whenever these ethnic groups move into an area, they destroy it. Multiple riots that have occurred in American history show that these people will easily choose to trash their own communities for no reason, and then whine because no one wants to re-invest in business there afterwards. When whites flee, in desperation, a city overrun and ruined by these influences, the ethnic peoples don't subsequently turn the community into a vibrant, viable place to live for themselves; they just keep making it worse and worse, until they themselves can't stand it and flee - always choosing white communities because they are nicer. After the hurricane in New Orleans, aid was immediately attempted; but the blacks repeatedly disrupted the process, shooting at aid-bringers, looting hospitals, raping children and tourists, and multiple other evils. Please note that the influence of drug addiction, especially methamphetamines, plays a big part of the nature of these communities. Inexplicable unless you have lived around these people and seen it for yourself. I am beyond sad that this is the truth - but it is. And I am extremely offended that the world is thinking that all Americans are evil Black-haters who aren't trying to do anything to help - we did and are trying, and the Blacks in New Orleans are fighting us every step of the way, indeed trying to kill us as we try to go in and help.
To George, and the rest of the world:
The US was not prepared to deal with anything of this magnitude, and that IS inexcusable.
However, the victims would have been better off had they not attacked the help that attempted to arrive, nor each other.
As will become clear in time, blame lies with the City and State administrations. Now the Feds are finally able to take charge things are getting done. This is a republic, not an absolute monarchy.
And why so quick to ignore the savagery and bigotry on display in the Superdome?
Some New Orleans refugees are taken in here. I visited the arena where they are housed and everything seems fine. Took the kids some burgers and fries.
These people are exhausted but safe. Apparently they left N. O. before the predators took over.
All the race hustlers are blaming Bush and America's racism. This is balderdash. Contrary to what Jesse Jackson says, Americans are helping Americans. As in most situations here, white Americans are helping poor blacks. Every kid I gave a burger to today was black. They and their parents showed a very dignified appreciation for this small gesture.
Nothing will stop the race hustlers. They will call us every name in the book and make the most outrageous accusations. But we won't stop providing relief to the needy just because the demagogues who claim to be their leaders insult us.
As for blaming Bush: of course. Should anyone be surprised? A left wing journalist has been very critical of Bush for not spending more last year to improve N. O.'s levees, built and maintained by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. If this geek has EVER advocated more money for the army I will eat every edition his magazine published in the past year.
It seems Bush is also to blame for the hurricane itself: he does not favor the Kyoto treaty, you know. Ergo more global warming; ergo more hurricanes; ergo more dead Negroes in Louisiana, which is exactly what he and his oil buddies have been planning. I would not be too surprised to learn that he was among the rapists in the Superdome.
Somehow W slipped up. He let 100,000 of these people he wants to exterminate escape to his home state of Texas, where they are being housed and fed in Houston's Astrodome. The White House phone must have been down, or W certainly would have called home to ask his Daddy to make sure the buses were stopped at the state line.
The local officials in N. O. are guilty of the biggest failures. These (black) politicians do nothing but dump a bunch of poor people in a domed stadium, let them starve and thirst and prey upon each other, then (predictably) blame the Bush administration for not cleaning up their mess before their city descended into choas.
Bush, Inc needs to be put on trial in the world court for war crimes both against Iraqis and Americans. Put out the warrant for their arrest if they step foot out of the states so they can huddle as cowards with Kissinger who is a wanted man for his long standing war crimes.
Many countries including Canada have offered aid and the US will not respond.
I am ashamed, but not surprised. I am once again taking up the cause to do all in my power to bring these criminals down.
I call upon the international community to assist us in helping us remove these war criminals by exerting the power of the tribunal.
I pray for justice. They stole two elections, sacraficed our children, our future and now this.
I feel deep regret for the experience the British students have endured. As for George, he should remember, Mr. Bush was criticized for not moving into Afganistan fast enough, and the build up to Iraq took place for over a year.
You ar a fool sir, and your comments are nonsense...
Terry Ebbert, the city's head of emergency operations has some nerve blaming the Federal Government. According to the City's Disaster Plan HE had the responsibility to get the people out. HE had 500+ busses (now under water) available. HE failed criminally to do his job.
The Mayor, the Governor, Grasso, are all blaming the FEDS, whe, it was their responsibility and they failed.
They FAILED and people died.
The criminal element in the Superdome was the same criminal element that was shooting at rescue helicoptors, police, hospitals, and firemen. The city descended into chaos because of a lack of planning on the part of the local and state authorities. 90% of the infrastructure of the city was destroyed when the levee gave way--there was no way to move vehicles into the city to rescue people. Why did Governor Blanco wait so long to issue the mandatory evacuation order? Why didn't the city officials mobilize the fleets of school buses and public transportation to take people out of the city before the storm hit? The federal government's response to this may appear to have been a bit slow, but given the circumstances they were facing, I think what they have managed to do is quite impressive. The left will use this as another excuse to bash Bush and the media will go right along with the talking points. Facts be damned.
There is absolutely no way to verify that white people would have fared any better. This is now being used to justify race-baiting, and the consequences of falling for this unevidenced garbage and punting it as truth will be hellish for race relations. Everyone should stop accepting these wild allegations. They are dangerous, defeating and racist. White people are not responsible for the disaster, or for the metasizing of the disaster.
My concern is that not only has Bush not planned for natural disasters. He hasn't planed on how these disasters will effect America. For as any intelligent person would realize the after effects of large natural disasters is far reaching; the economy, National Security, the stock market, housing shortages, un-employment, loss of natural resources, National debt, shortages of medical facilities and staff, raise in the cost of living, interstate commerce, long term psychological effects to the victims requiring more mental health needs and services, toxic chemical contamination and clean up to be addressed, destruction of fisheries and the economic impact of that, and the loss of life. That is just a tip of the iceburg so to speak of how great of an impact these disasters have on us. If we have any of these storms, earth quakes , floods, tidal waves, or other great natural disasters occur in short sequence of each other our Nation could be devastated far greater than Katrina. Imagine some year we get 2 Katrina's back to back and to top it off we get hit by a major earth quake in California? Would we be ready for such a situation? It could happen. Also to consider is if you hated the US wouldn't it be a wonderful time to attack her in that state of confusion? And if we had all our troops and military in another land at that point in time; we would be screwed!
We can prepare for such. But denial will just get us killed.
To "Thomas Jefferson": Your post makes it sound as though you think black people were too stupid or stubborn to leave. Most of the people left in New Orleans were black because they're the most socially disadvantaged group in America- ie. they're poor. If you don't have a car, don't have money for transportation out of the city, don't have anywhere to stay, and the government isn't helping you in any way, how are you supposed to evacuate?? It's a class issue, and in the US, where everything is so segregated and discriminatory, that makes it a racial issue, too.
Bush BY LAW couldn't call in the National Guard until Wednesday. IT WAS THE GOVERNOR'S RESPONSIBILITY. As was coordinating the evacuation of the poor and sick before the storm.
As to the violence of blacks reported in this article...The violent blacks aren't violent because they are black -- they are violent because they are poor, and quite frankly, stupid (whether due to nature or drugs it really doesn't matter). Louisiana is one of the most corrupt states in the nation, and due to lax attitudes and corruption by those in power violence and a perverse culture of entitlement and dependency on government has thrived in New Orleans for years now.
These people have been treated as children for years. Never forced to be accountable for their actions. Most likely coddled for their votes during election years, but then left to rot at every other time.
At least someone has the courage to report on the real racism in America... Blacks Cry racism all the time to get whatever they want, while at the same time, Whites have to sit quietly as they are constantly discriminated against based on the color of their skin. It's sad that those british students had to endure the real racism in america. believe me, Ive been attacked based on my skin color also, but was laughed at when I reported it to a black police officer...
I have just about had it with the media covering up black hate crimes against white people, what you are seeing in New Orleans is just the tip of the iceberg. Blacks have been terrorising white people here in America for years yet few know about things like the Witchita Massacre or the rapes and murders of white people in New Orleans because the media here is NOT reporting it for political correctness reasons. Everyone here is making excuses for New Orleans blaming the slowness of relief aid which in no way explains raping a 14 year old girl to death or raping and murdering a 7 year old boy inside the superdome. Even the media's reporting of the looting is bogus claiming they are just hungry, so is that why they stole all the guns out of Walmart or the sneakers from Foot locker? Are these things edible? I had to look at foreign news sources just to find out about this stuff because there is a total media blackout about the racism and hate crimes going on in New Orleans against the whites. It's revolting...
At least the British tourists had a taste of racial reality and survived to tell the tale. Don't be naive, blacks in the U.S. have consistently topped the FBI criminal statistics list in most categories especially rape, robberies, assault and murders.
I have only heard these stories online regarding the horrific experiences of the foreign tourists and I am so sorry this happened to them. The American media has not cover this because, hum, I wonder why? maybe because it is not political correct. Why can't people just be honest? I am so embarrassed and disgusted with how these people have not pulled together in such a crisis. I, myself living in NYC experienced the devastation of 9/11- first hand. Did you see the police and firefighters walk off the job-NO! Did you see looting-NO! Did you see the mayor curse and break down in public-NO! Did you see people shooting, killing, raping-NO, NO, NO!!! What you saw was CIVILIZED American people, police, firefighters and many others risking their own lives to save others. You saw a mayor that showed true leadership. You saw everyone truly united and helping each other. FYI- As I write this people are shooting at the team that is trying to fix the broken levee's-what the f*@!$ is wrong with these people! It is really a shame, because I'm sure MANY that were affected by the hurricane are good people and do need help, but these people also need to start helping each other. I have to say I have never been more disappointed with anything in my life and this is only the beginning, but I am so, so glad that the rest of the world is finally seeing what we have to deal with on a daily basis. Thank God for the GOOD soles that are down there and I pray that they stay safe.
Just once, would it be so difficult for the black people of this country to act like people in times of distress. Why does something like a huricaine have to symbolize 'cival war'. All...and I mean "ALL" of the people in the Superdome are there out of desparation, why do the black people have to take a separate stance and try to prove that they can be terrorists in this pathetic situation. This kind of behavior and mentality doesn't make you strong or great or even tough. It makes you week and will keep you down forever.
A Black Woman in NYC