Pine Belt desperate for help

By Brian Livingston, community@laurelleadercall.com

August 30, 2006 11:02 am

— EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the eighth installment of a daily log looking back one year ago when a storm called Katrina changed the lives of millions of people in Louisiana and Mississippi.

The first day after Hurricane Katrina could only be described as one filled with shock and awe.
Residents, along with county government and city leaders, were struck with the total devastation Katrina left behind. The best laid plans lay in shambles along with homes, trees and lives. The catastrophic loss of virtually all communication capability further hindered the recovery effort. Yet despite all that faced the people of Jones County, they began to work toward solving every problem. The day after Katrina, Jones County became united in a singular mission to turn a negative situation into a positive.
Jones County officials, along with city leaders from Laurel, Ellisville, Sandersville and Soso, mobilized resources to address the most pressing issues of food, water and gas. In addition, they had to devise a plan to first remove storm debris and then restore power, water and natural gas services along with telephone communications.
It was clear that the majority of the residents of Jones County hadn’t properly prepared for Katrina and thus became an undo burden on the very system that was trying to get the county back on its feet as soon as humanly possible.
County and city police forces mobilize every available officer and deputy to provide security. Looting and crime didn’t have a chance to take hold and send fear through the people. In the following days, national guard and reserve units, along with other law enforcement agencies from outside the area, would bolster the number of officers on the streets effectively nullifying any attempt by criminals to take advantage of a terrible situation.
Long lines formed at the few gas stations where generators were providing enough power to pump gas. Lines also formed at grocery markets who were desperate to sell food destined to spoil without power to the coolers and freezers. Ice was as valuable as gold and water and ice distribution points were set up at the city and county schools for those in outlying areas.
The excessive heat and humidity, along with an outbreak of love bugs, only added to frayed nerves and uncertainty. But organizations such as the Salvation Army and the Pine Belt Chapter of the American Red Cross were already reaching hundreds of people. Churches were reaching many more as they mobilized their kitchens and food to feed the hungry. Soon, it was apparent the plight of Jones County residents was being heard by others from outside Mississippi as aid began flowing into the area.
Utility companies and manpower began flooding the county. Mississippi Power and Dixie Electric personnel, along with Entex gas and other utility entities, began the job of restoring the infrastructure of the area. City employees worked alongside many of those companies to ensure areas were brought back to life in terms of amenities.
Out in the county, and in close alliance with the churches, volunteer firefighters, who had been working to clear roads and rescue residents, transported food and water to people in outlying areas.
But the loss of communications, radio, TV, telephone service and emergency radio capability slowed many of the processes and attempts to rectify problems. In the end it was the persistence and patience of the people that eventually helped Jones Countians recover.

Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.