Katrina Hit Mississippi Too!

Reflections from Jackson, Mississippi

By Dave G. Thompson, Mississippi DOT

It was almost 6 pm when we heard the last loud crash. A 10 inch limb had fallen from an oak tree onto our neighbor's car. August 29 had been a very long day! Earlier, we had watched CNN and other news stations at the office to see what was happening on our Mississippi Gulf Coast, 150 miles south of Jackson. At 11am everyone was told to go home and prepare for the storm as it ground its way north. When the full force of the storm hit Jackson, it was still a Category 1 storm with 75 mph winds and fair that felt like bullets when they hit bare skin. Thankfully the night was calm, but dark and quiet, except for the occasional buzz of a chainsaw.

Operations scheduled from the District
parking lot of "Camp Speedy"

When Governor Barbour had his first press conference on Tuesday, August 30, there weren't many who were able to see him on TV because the power was out for most of the State. He had flown the 80 mile length of our coastline and returned with startling news. It was hard to hear him say that everything from the railroad tracks south to the beach was gone. That one sentence probably had more impact on the citizens of Mississippi than any other thing. You see, the railroad tracks run parallel to the coast and they were 4 to 8 blocks away from the water. Within that space there was nothing remaining but large piles of debris. It was beyond our comprehension! There were no homes, restaurants, churches or small buildings. The only things that remained were some large buildings and our beautiful live oaks which gave the coast is flavor and unique character. Of course, there were no leaves on the trees after the 150mph winds had stripped them bare.

Highway 90, which is THE road to drive if you want to see Mississippi's (once beautiful) coast was either washed away, or covered with sand and debris. There are two important bridges on Hwy 90. On the west is the bridge over Bay St. Louis and on the east is the bridge over Biloxi Bay. Both of these concrete structures were knocked down by the gigantic storm surge, which was more than 20 feet above normal. It will be at least 2 years before these are rebuilt.

In addition, every road, highway and driveway in South Mississippi had trees down across them. The Mississippi DOT was now responsible for the biggest cleanup it had ever experienced. Most of our employees left their families at home and went out to cut trees off the road to make way for emergency vehicles and support equipment. One employee who lost his home and all belongings said that going out to work on the cleanup actually kept his mind off the fact that he had nothing left!

I believe most people who have been to the coast after the storm have come away with a very sobering image of the destruction. Seeing the pictures on TV just does not come close to the actual extent of damage which stretches for 80 miles.

Sine that time we have experienced a great outpouring of assistance and good tidings. Before the wind had calmed down, we had calls from Florida, Alabama, Georgia and even Oregon offering everything from bridge inspection teams to fuel. The New Mexico DOT collected over $11,000 and sent it to help MDOT employees who had been impacted by the storm. That check arrived around Thanksgiving, and thankful we were! Churches and civic organizations from all over the country have sent work crews and supplies to help. Thanks to all who have prayed for these good people on the coast! They still have a long way to go.