[StBernard] Hurricane Rita Update from Parish

[Westley Annis]

September 23, 2005; 3:00 PM CST

Hurricane Rita Update:

We just surveyed the situation in Arabi and on Paris Road.  Paris Road is
roughly the same as the last report in that one lane is impassable on the
North bound side and continuing to rise.  There are several barges in the
intercoastal waterway that were stranded on land after Katrina that have
broken loose due to the high water.  

There is concern that one of the barges may strike the supports on the Paris
Road Bridge.  Tug boats are attempting to capture the barges and move them
away from the area.

Arabi is much worse.  Flooding is significant on the New Orleans side of the
railroad tracks.  Water is in the houses.  It doesn't appear that the water
will rise and overcome the railroad tracks, which is acting as a levee.

High tide is tonight so it will probably take some time for the water to
recede.

The wind is gusting between 40 and 50 MPH.  Personnel are hopeful that the
situation in St. Bernard will significantly impact the already heavily
damaged area.

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September 23, 2005; 12:30 PM CST

Hurricane Rita Update:

Right now, water is topping the Industrial Canal levee and flooding the 9th
ward and lower Arabi.  Water is rising on Paris Road, one lane is impassable
on the North bound side and continuing to rise.

The wind is gusting between 40 and 50 MPH.  Personnel are hopeful that the
situation in St. Bernard will NOT significantly impact the already heavily
damaged area.

Please watch this website, http://www.stbernardparishgovernment.com for
further details.  Information will be posted as quickly as possible.

Animal Rescue Shelter:

We have identified a useful resource to attempt to locate lost animals.
Navigate to http://www.petfinder.com.  There are many resources for those
who have lost or found pets during the Katrina disaster.

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