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08/30/2005 Abita news. A report on today in Abita Springs here.

A report from Abita Springs:

My mom lives at Level and Pine Streets and she was able to reach me today on a 504 cell phone. Here is what she could tell me:

Abita Springs proper did not flood. The primary source of damage to homes was trees falling and flying debris. The water of the river rose for a time on Monday and for a while "downtown Abita" was an island, but the water has already returned to the river and even the little bridge on 36 going toward Covington is clear of water.

On Monday, roads were so filled with fallen trees that they were difficult to walk on -- much less drive. But crews have cleared the main roads. Hwy 59 is cleared least to Roberts Hardware. At least one resident was able to leave by car today and make it to Denim Springs -- we don't know what route she took.

There are no utilities, but there is tap water.

Some Abitians have generators and are running them, but they know that the gasoline will run out. So some outside news TV is getting into Abita, but residents do not have a good source of local news -- many do not know the extent of the damage in New Orleans and have not gotten the St. Tammany government's "boil order." Although they have radio, since communications have been so difficult in Tammany Parish, there is still not a lot of information that is getting out or in.

There is a vigilant police presence patrolling the streets. The 24-7 curfew is strictly enforced. The Fire Dpartment is up and working. The City Hall was open today (Tues, Aug 30). The Post Office is okay.

Residents are being told that if they leave, they will not be able to return for a month without written permission from the Mayor. The Mayor made it to Covington today for meetings.

No businesses are open. There is no food supply and the curfew prevents venturing out of the City of Abita to see if businesses elsewhere are selling food.

Some people who rode out the storm are getting ready to evacuate. One neighbor said that no one would have stayed if they understood what would happened. In general, everyone seems exhausted, scared, but okay and thankful.

I hope someone finds this little information helpful. I will post again if or when I can get through.



home paintings contact kate	[Prev: Call the Red Cross] [Main Index] [Next: Useful orientation reference:] 08/30/2005 Abita news. A report on today in Abita Springs here. A report from Abita Springs: My mom lives at Level and Pine Streets and she was able to reach me today on a 504 cell phone. Here is what she could tell me: Abita Springs proper did not flood. The primary source of damage to homes was trees falling and flying debris. The water of the river rose for a time on Monday and for a while "downtown Abita" was an island, but the water has already returned to the river and even the little bridge on 36 going toward Covington is clear of water. On Monday, roads were so filled with fallen trees that they were difficult to walk on -- much less drive. But crews have cleared the main roads. Hwy 59 is cleared least to Roberts Hardware. At least one resident was able to leave by car today and make it to Denim Springs -- we don't know what route she took. There are no utilities, but there is tap water. Some Abitians have generators and are running them, but they know that the gasoline will run out. So some outside news TV is getting into Abita, but residents do not have a good source of local news -- many do not know the extent of the damage in New Orleans and have not gotten the St. Tammany government's "boil order." Although they have radio, since communications have been so difficult in Tammany Parish, there is still not a lot of information that is getting out or in. There is a vigilant police presence patrolling the streets. The 24-7 curfew is strictly enforced. The Fire Dpartment is up and working. The City Hall was open today (Tues, Aug 30). The Post Office is okay. Residents are being told that if they leave, they will not be able to return for a month without written permission from the Mayor. The Mayor made it to Covington today for meetings. No businesses are open. There is no food supply and the curfew prevents venturing out of the City of Abita to see if businesses elsewhere are selling food. Some people who rode out the storm are getting ready to evacuate. One neighbor said that no one would have stayed if they understood what would happened. In general, everyone seems exhausted, scared, but okay and thankful. I hope someone finds this little information helpful. I will post again if or when I can get through.