When seeing images or video of natural disasters occurring, two kinds of thoughts run through my mind. Of course, my first reaction is one of sympathy; my thoughts go to those affected by the disaster, those whose homes were destroyed or whose families were displaced. Sympathy in times like that is the natural response, dictated by human nature. In addition to that though, I am made explicitly aware of my good fortune in life. I have never had to move homes after a tornado or fire, and I have never lost a loved one in a flood or hurricane. Until very recently, my only exposure to natural disasters of this kind was through news articles and televised reports, but my ability to empathize was limited.
When Hurricane Sandy hit, my reaction was different, deepened by a proximity to the disaster both literal and figurative. Of the areas hit by the storm, the New York City metropolitan area and the Jersey Shore were some of the worst affected. Images of the destroyed Seaside Boardwalk (where I celebrated my high school graduation) and the flooding of the Hoboken PATH train terminal (from where I commuted to work this summer) made the storm much more of a reality for me.
Again, I am lucky that none of my friends or family were injured or hurt, but having a personal connection to the situation has now made it easier for me to put myself in the shoes of those affected by Hurricane Katrina. While watching "When the Levees Broke," I could better understand the fear New Orleanians were feeling and the frustration they aimed at the political system and its inefficient handlings of the situation in the days after.
The major players in the relief efforts were the President, FEMA Director Michael Brown, Governor Kathleen Blanco, and New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin.
When Hurricane Sandy hit, my reaction was different, deepened by a proximity to the disaster both literal and figurative. Of the areas hit by the storm, the New York City metropolitan area and the Jersey Shore were some of the worst affected. Images of the destroyed Seaside Boardwalk (where I celebrated my high school graduation) and the flooding of the Hoboken PATH train terminal (from where I commuted to work this summer) made the storm much more of a reality for me.
Again, I am lucky that none of my friends or family were injured or hurt, but having a personal connection to the situation has now made it easier for me to put myself in the shoes of those affected by Hurricane Katrina. While watching "When the Levees Broke," I could better understand the fear New Orleanians were feeling and the frustration they aimed at the political system and its inefficient handlings of the situation in the days after.
The major players in the relief efforts were the President, FEMA Director Michael Brown, Governor Kathleen Blanco, and New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin.
I think it is very interesting that you bring up the comparison of Sandy. I too felt a chilling connection between the two Hurricanes. What I find particularly interesting is the difference in response on the part of the federal government. While New York was almost back to running after a few days, New Orleans took years (and is still struggling) to repair a lot of the damage caused by Katrina. What do you think about this? Why did this happen? What didn't work in New Orleans?
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