Chaos on the Gulf Coast: Louisiana's diary of destruction

Thanks

A sign that reads "Thanks A Lot Katrina" stands where a home once stood.

Flag

A dirty flag is left hanging where not much else has survived.

Destroyed

Katrina dessimated some Port Fourchon homes while others were untouched.

House on bridge, Cheniere

Boat on road

Boats out of the water and downed powerlines are not uncommon in Port Fourchon after Katrina.

Reconstruction

Neighbors repairs siding.

Downed powerlines

Rodeo flyer

Swing

The porch is gone, but the swing still hangs.

Truck

Automobiles were trapped in water and dried mud in Cheniere.

Troy

Out-of-state paramedics prepare ambulances before driving to New Orleans.

Drawing

Activity tables are set up in the Cajundome for displaced children to color and read.

Cards

Evacuees in the Cajundome pass time by playing cards.

Freny

Katrina evacuees look for a temorary home.

"This is not a test"

Denizens keep their senses of humor even when Category 4 hurricanes are near.

Tree on house

An oak tree rests on a bed where a man and his daughter had lain seconds before the tree crashed through the house.

Split pottery studio

Fire

Trees on power lines flamed until the lines gave way.

Coffins

Hurricane Rita left tombstones turned over and strewn across graveyards.