Times-Picayine Blog/Forum Reveals True Horror of Disaster

[katty]

continued at:

http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001053452

'Times-Picayune' Blog/Forum Reveals True Horror of Disaster Today

By Greg Mitchell

Published: September 01, 2005 12:25 PM ET updated frequently

NEW YORK While the world, and the media, focus on major developments involving thousands of victims in New Orleans, individual horror stories -- and cries for help -- just get lost. The Times-Picayune in New Orleans, from the onset of the catastrophe, has managed to provide blogs, forums, and bulletin boards for readers to seek help or information. But this morning, the pleadings at one forum turned absolutely chilling.

Here are a few samples from past few hours on Thursday (updated here from the top).

*
1300 Still Trapped at University Hospital

Latest text message from inside the hospital: ''Water dropping. Gunshots. Not safe.''

Through text messages and intermittent cell phone calls I have learned that 1300 patients and staff remain trapped mere blocks from the SuperDome at the University Hospital on Gravier Street. My girlfriend of 15 years is a 3rd OB/GYN resident there.

No power, food or water for 48+ hours.
Many dead are reported in the hospital.
No helipad exists.
No word from the outside world on a rescue or a plan.
The stench is said to be unbearable.

[Eloriel]

1. NOMINATED. nt