Rita Victims Are Living 'like Cavemen' in Wake of Storm

[NNN0LHI]

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBO681Q4EE.html

PORT ARTHUR, Texas (AP) - Nearly four days after Hurricane Rita hit, many of the storm's sweltering victims along the Texas Gulf Coast were still waiting for electricity, gasoline, water and other relief Tuesday, prompting one top emergency official to complain that people are "living like cavemen."

In the hard-hit refinery towns of Port Arthur and Beaumont, crews struggled to cross debris-clogged streets to deliver generators and water to people stranded by Rita. They predicted it could be a month before power is restored, and said water and sewer systems could not function until more generators arrived.

Red tape was also blamed for the delays. snip

John Owens, emergency management coordinator and deputy police chief in the town of 57,000, said pleas for state and federal relief were met with requests for paperwork.

"We have been living like cavemen, sleeping in cars, doing bodily functions outside," he said.

[rosesaylavee]

1. Guess FEMA has those procedures down pat, now.

Thank goodness for that.

[madmom]

2. It's the mayor's and governor's fault...n/t