Nottinghamshire Social Struggles Newswire Archive

In possibly the biggest natural disaster of US history, hurricane Katrina has left devistation in New Orleans and surrounding area's. Things have gone from bad to worse. Martial law is declared in New Orleans City. The National Guard is deployed, with the order to 'Shoot To Kill' in an attempt to 'stop looting'. But reports say the National Guard is also blocking supplies getting into the affected area's. A group of 500 airboat pilots trying to support the rescue effort were stopped and send back. It is estimated 300.000 people are still trapped by the water. In an interview, the Mayor of New Orleans, Ray Nagin, lashed out at the Federal Authority, telling them to 'get off their arses'. Download interview. The US government is receiving a lot of critisism as rescue efforts have been choatic and aid starting arriving only four days after the hurricane struck.

Priorities of a corporate empire: Bush cut $20-$40 million needed to strengthen levees - a 2004 project that was 80% complete. Needing troops, he sent 35% of Louisiana's National Guard to Iraq. Then he pushed to privatize disaster services including the N.O. disaster plan, and disabled FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)

>>> Updates on the hurricane disaster on New Orleans Indymedia

>>> Coverage of the refugee situation on Houston Indymedia

Houston Indymedia Coverage: Video: 1 | 2 | 3 Reports from New Orleans: 1 | 2 | 3

How to help: Donate: Red Cross | Second Harvest Other: Kartina Help Wiki

More Links: Weather Warning (28th August) | Democracy Now! reports (Aug. 30) (Aug. 31) (Sept. 1) (Sept. 2) | Explanation about Hurricanes (MP3) | Further analysis: 1 , 2 , 3 | Insane looting? - Not at all! | An analysis of the 'anarchy' in New Orleans' streets Commentary from the Newswire: Katrina open letter to radical/progressive community (From Houston) | In Praise of Looting | American Genocide in New Orleans