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Phil Orgeron | profile | all galleries >> Events >> hurricane_katrina_ >> Hurricane Katrina hits Grandma's House tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Hurricane Katrina hits Grandma's House

I thought some of you might like to see what
the inside of some 100,000 homes in the Greater New Orleans area
look like.

This gallery contains images taken at my mother in law's home
in St. Bernard parish. My wife's family lived in this house
for 45 years and almost every family treasure is lost to
to salt water flood and mud.

Searching a home like this is a dangerous undertaking but
the few treasures one can find are worth it.

NOTE: One thing I can't capture is the stench. After three
weeks under 14 feet of wetlands water the smells are almost
unbearable.

Click on thumbnail to see larger images.
For best viewing use ORIGINAL size.

Thanks for looking.

No need for a key - Door smashed in by Military search and rescue
No need for a key - Door smashed in by Military search and rescue		 Getting ready to go in the back door
Getting ready to go in the back door		 Our son helping in the search
Our son helping in the search		 More kitchen wreckage
More kitchen wreckage		 Notice the collapsed ceilings
Notice the collapsed ceilings
More havoc
More havoc		 A wedding portrait lost
A wedding portrait lost		 One of Grandma's elephant collection
One of Grandma's elephant collection		 Searching for treasures
Searching for treasures		 Not much left undamaged in the Curio cabinet
Not much left undamaged in the Curio cabinet
Wading through the filthy mess is a hot, dirty job..depressing too
Wading through the filthy mess is a hot, dirty job..depressing too		 Lots of nice furniture lost forever
Lots of nice furniture lost forever		 Anybody needs a refrigerator??
Anybody needs a refrigerator??		 Swirling floodwater moves everything around the room
Swirling floodwater moves everything around the room		 Grandchildren part 1
Grandchildren part 1
Grandchildren part 2
Grandchildren part 2		 A modern kitchen lost
A modern kitchen lost		 Sloshing in the slime
Sloshing in the slime		 This was the study
This was the study		 Military stops to offer assistance
Military stops to offer assistance
Breaking into the family safe... a difficult task at best
Breaking into the family safe... a difficult task at best		 A last look at Grandma's Lutheran Church
A last look at Grandma's Lutheran Church

post a comment
grandma too 27-Oct-2005 13:18
This is the first time I have seen images close up of the Katrina devestation. It is heartbreaking but thanks for posting. I now get a clearer picture of what hundreds of people have suffered trhrough and endured.
grandma too 27-Oct-2005 13:16
nanc
Thumper 20-Oct-2005 03:28
This is just so heartbreaking, Connie. I am so glad that your family was safe. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
nesting 20-Oct-2005 03:20
My heart hurts for you all that have had to endure this horrible devastation.

Thank you for taking the time to share with us these pictures...they truly do bring it to the forefront of just how badly everyone there needs all of our help.
helloagain 19-Oct-2005 02:41
How sad. I watched CNN all the time with their coverage and shed so many tears. My heart goes out to everyone who lost so much. Thank you for sharing the pictures. I sure hope things will be brighter for your family very soon.
MontanaJan 19-Oct-2005 00:30
NewOrleansLady...and DH...thank you for the pictures. I've been praying for you every day since Katrina hit.
My heart hurts for all your losses!
But Thank God you are all alive.
Hugs from MontanaJan
thewritegirl_WA_State 19-Oct-2005 00:18
Thank for sharing these. I have seen a lot of news coverage but to see someone's home like this makes it all too real. Reach out if there is anything we can do. Right now, we are praying for your family.,
Guest 18-Oct-2005 21:51
Connie- Thanks for sharing the pictures of the devastation from Hurricane Katrina. It is truly sad! It is times like these when we realize what really matters- not the big tv or the leather sofa but those valuables that are sentimental! My heart goes out to you and your family in this loss. Hang in there and just keep the faith.
PSt.John
Guest 18-Oct-2005 17:34
I feel I can almost smell the stench. What a dreadful experience it must have been to return looking for what may remain of a lifetime of memories. It is difficult to put oneself into that situation.
Very best wishes and great sympathies, Hostalover
KaityBlue 18-Oct-2005 17:01
My heart goes out to those who have lost treasures that cannot be replaced, however I am thankful there were lives saved. I know this has to be absolutely devastating.
Guest 18-Oct-2005 16:38
Geezumpeets. It's so sad to see whats left of a lifetime of living and memories. And to know this experience is shared by SO many. It's so sad. My deepest regrets for your mother and all of you. God bless all of you.
Donna Bower
Guest 18-Oct-2005 14:02
Connie, I feel so bad for all of you! I jut can't imagine the heartache you feel to see family treasures like that. thanks for posting the pictures.

hugs,
cande
jackit-jackie-BYC 18-Oct-2005 12:55
Thank you for sharing these pictures and what must have been heart wrenching.
click on thumbnails for full image