Apparently, the Superdome was stocked with MREs and water, but you are right, they should have anticipated the sewers backing up.
Some, maybe -- but not much:
Despite the planned use of the Superdome as an evacuation center, New Orleans's City Government and the mayor, Ray Nagin, came under criticism for poor planning and preparation. Apparently there were no meals ready to eat (MRE's) stored at the Superdome. There was no water purification equipment on site, no chemical toilets, no anti-biotics and no anti-diarrheals stored for a crisis. The mayor had not designated any medical staff to work the evacuation center. The city had not established a secure sick bay within the Superdome and there were very few cots available that hadn't been brought in by evacuees. The mayor of New Orleans had, in fact, stated that as a "refuge of last resort," that no food, water, or supplies would be provided. Residents who evacuated to the Superdome were warned to bring their own supplies.
en.wikipedia.org
As has been said, there will be plenty of blame to go around. But it is inconceivable to me that the city would not have had some kind of disaster plan in place given that they knew the levees were inadequate for a large storm. Congress can be blamed for not appropriating funds to deal with the levees; but this is the job of Louisiana's representation -- to see that the state's major needs are met by federal funding.
Ultimately, I believe the mayor gets the blame for this mess, and the governor is going to get the blame for a weak first response. Since they are both dems, it is likely they (and other dems) will try to lay blame off on FEMA, and they seem to be doing fairly well at it thus far. |
