notes from the frontlines

[Eye Of The Storm: Gulfport, MS] 1) For all those concerned with people and property south of the CSX railroad tracks, everything that we have heard and seen so far is that destruction is near total. For property, assume that it does not exist anymore. If it does, it is uninhabitable and probably missing most walls and/or roof. For people, hope that they moved further inland or to a shelter. Otherwise, they were probably swimming. 2) Between railroad and Pass Road in Harrison county- The rock fill that the tracks sat on acted as a berm. It slowed the surge, but did not contain it in many areas. Expect extensive flooding damage (in some places above the roof line). 3) North of Pass Road or 90. The surge did not get that far inland. Still many reports of flooding damage from rain and rising bayous/ waterways. Also expect wind damage. 4) North of I-10- seems to have faired relatively well. This does not apply to Bay St Louis, which sounds like it was leveled like the places south of the railroad tracks. It also sounds like Picayune got hit very hard. Water is coming back in some places. If you are in contact with people down here tell them DO NOT DRINK THE WATER. Several tons of frozen chicken was ejected from Gulfport docks into the water and surrounding communities. Also, at least 1,000 pounds of shrimp went into the water at D'Iberville. Both of those will release harmful bacteria into the water when they decay. There are also the bodies of people and animals in Mississippi Sound. Though this is not the drinking water supply, contamination of aquifers are possible. Also, broken mains have allowed foreign substances into the municipal water supply. Try not to flush toilets. As far as I know right now, very little power is being generated and sewage systems need electricity to power their pumps. Sewage will back up.