UPDATE 10/02/08: 3 Weeks After Hurricane Ike, The Search For Bodies Finally Begins
Listen to photojournalist Lan Lamphere of Oklahomaexpeditions.com and Snarkfood discuss the missing from Hurricane Ike. The Podcast Is Here.
Snarkfood is continuing its coverage of Hurricane Ike, which has virtually vanished from the mainstream media. Ike is mentioned only in reference to current gas shortages across the south. No national media are speaking of the devastation, save in passing, and the people who are still missing from Hurricane Ike have not merited their attention.
Currently, there are at least 400 people still missing, according to local Houston media. This is an approximate number, as there are so many different places that families are looking, registering and posting their names…that it’s difficult to get an accurate count. From what Snarkfood has been able to determine, 400 is probably a conservative number.
The residents of Galveston were allowed to come back to the island last week; the residents whose homes were behind the seawall were allowed to stay, those whose homes (or what was left of their homes) were on the hardest-hit West end of the island, must go away every night, and return during the day. Many, many people have had to throw EVERYTHING away from their homes. Every single solitary thing.
Here’s a video from a resident who returned to Galveston last week:
Even though this story has been squashed by “Hurricane Wall Street”, it is very much alive for the many, many thousands of people Ike has hurt. The Red Cross is a great place to help, either by calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or by visiting their website www.redcross.org.
Snarkfood has a post here that has advice on what to do for victims, including how to deal with FEMA, and, how to help for those of us blessed enough to be able to. These are our American brothers and sisters. Many people were unable to evacuate, another part of the story that is not being told. Before you pass judgment on them, take the time to read some of our coverage:
“Coast Guard Flyover Of Galveston Island”
“Conditions Deteriorate For Ike Survivors: Celebs Could Help”
“Hurricane Ike: If You Are Missing, Please Raise Your Hand”
“Hurricane Ike: The Missing Have Names; Ike Missing From The Mainstream Media”
It may open your eyes.