I just read that and it's staggering. Think about it! What impact will it have on the economy of the south and the entire US? What about the political structure of the areas hurt?
While the media and public have been concentrating on the evacuation of NO and the immediate needs of those affected by the storm (and rightly so!), they seem to be ignoring a potential political and social firestorm.
In hotel rooms from Florida to Texas you will find middle class families who have nothing left but their cars, some packed bits of clothing and (if they are lucky) their homeowners insuranace. These people are living off their savings and how long will that last? Weeks in a hotel will suck even the most frugal person dry. Where will they go? what will they do?
They are saying this is the largest displacement of people since the Civil War. It's even bigger than the out migration from the dust-bowl during the depression. Is the government prepared for this? Do they have any idea what this means? of all the potential problems?
I honestly don't know if people realise just how difficult the road ahead will be.