Ivan made a direct hit on L.A. (Lower Alabama) and the Pensacola-Panhandle area last week, wreaking havoc and devastation in her path. We evacuated and returned with no personal damage as our home, Daphne, Al, took the eye at approx 11 o'clock, avoiding the deadly NE quadrant by a mere 10-15 miles. Our thanks to several of you who expressed your concern for our welfare. We did spend a couple of anxious days not knowing what, if anything, we would find on returning.
The Mississippi Gulf Coast, Mobile, Fairhope, and Daphne areas were largely spared except for wind, tree, and roof-type damage. The areas of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Perdido Key, and Pensacola were devastated, with the combination of surge and waves reaching the 5th floor levels of many beachfront condos. Very little remains unscarred in those areas, and many friends are homelss now, some losing both homes and businesses. Many areas, one week later, remain without power, water, or other services including phone or mail. Dusk to dawn curfews are still in effect. Pensacola Airport sustained over 7 million dollars in damage, and is yet to reopen. A major bridge (I 10) over Escambia Bay, north of Pensacola was knocked out and will be over a year in being repaired.
For the areas I mentioned, Ivan was the equal of Camille (1969), and will be remembered as the storm of the century, I am sure. Do remember those who suffered and are suffering in your prayers. And never, ever try to ride out a category 3 or bigger hurricane. Those who did try to ride out Ivan and who took the big hit, would be the first to tell you this now.
--------------------
Roy in L.A.
|
Previous
Index
Next
Threaded
Ivan the Terrible
Edit
Reply
Quote
