Most reporting on the Federal government’s response to Hurricane Katrina describes it in terms ranging from flatfooted to negligent to even criminal. Jack Kelly takes a detailed look at the facts instead of the perception here. An excerpt:
Jason van Steenwyk is a Florida Army National Guardsman who has been mobilized six times for hurricane relief. He notes that:
“The federal government pretty much met its standard time lines, but the volume of support provided during the 72-96 hour was unprecedented. The federal response here was faster than Hugo, faster than Andrew, faster than Iniki, faster than Francine and Jeanne.”
For instance, it took five days for National Guard troops to arrive in strength on the scene in Homestead, Fla. after Hurricane Andrew hit in 2002. But after Katrina, there was a significant National Guard presence in the afflicted region in three.
Read the entire article for an illuminating report of logistical achievement. HT: Hammerswing.
