09/18/08 Hurricane Ike Aftermath

In the wake of hurricane Ike rescue workers and cleanup crews are diligently trying to continue with their duties in Texas despite insurmountable odds, both from the damage left by the hurricane and from residents who refuse to cooperate with authorities. One of the largest failures of authorities during hurricane Katrina in 2005 was in not giving the order to evacuate residents in time. Many people lost their lives as a result. With hurricane Ike however the residents of Texas were given the mandatory evacuation order well in advance of Ike's arrival, but many residents refused to leave; or waited until safe departure was non-existent, requiring extra search and rescue crews to be issued. Now, though authorities have requested residents not to return home yet in order for the repair crews to begin clean-up and utility restorations, people are ignoring authorities and clogging roadways trying to return. In doing so, these residents are hindering the very people who are there to help them restore their city and their lives.