Remembering New Orleans

The images of hurricane Katrina aftermath being shown on TV are shocking. I fear that the disaster is in proportion to a mini-Tsunami, with thousands dead (despite of the present ‘official’ death toll of 120+). This is the first time we in America are seeing the aftermath of a massive flood. Until now, on TV we got an occasional glimpse of the people on rooftops in places like Bangladesh during monsoon rains. Never had to think much about it. Now the 24 hour live coverage of the recovery operations makes it too real and painful. I am especially saddened at the plight of the city of New Orleans. I had an opportunity to visit that city last year. Normally, I find all the cities in USA more or less the same with some big buildings, large malls, and popular franchises like McDonalds, Blockbusters etc. But New Orleans was a nice surprise. Many buildings there had a distinct French architecture, reminding you of Paris. Instead of malls, there were some huge Flea Markets to shop. Restaurants had unique and tasty food preparations (Cajon style cooking). There were numerous nightclubs with good music and wonderful cocktails (one of them ironically named ‘Hurricane’). The city was not affluent or modern, but had a pleasant rustic look about it. The people were overall cheery and nice. Of course, my perspective is that of a tourist isolated from the daily struggles of the sizable poor people there, mostly Blacks. I would rate New Orleans as one of the best four cities in USA to visit (New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. are my other favorites). I pray that the people New Orleans get adequate help from the government, and that the city be restored without losing its old charm.
(I am sort of disappointed at the tepid reaction from the rest of the world to this disaster. Did not hear any offer of help, except for some prayers. Is this like the play continuing while the school bully writhes in pain on ground with a sprained ankle?)