This wont register with most people, but having lived in Mobile, AL for 3 years, I have a deep sadness for what the city and its residents are about to endure. Ivan is headed straight for them with waves of 30-40 feet, with winds currently up to 135 mph (about 200 kph). A direct strike into the bay will bury the city under several FEET of water, and submerge beach front cottages.
However, the biggest tragedy will be the thousands of lower income families who live in trailers and double-wides in the rural outskirts of the city. The current storm projections show a wide arc in which (and I quote) "all mobile homes will be completely destroyed". Think of stepping on an empty beer can and you get the idea. They are poorly insulated, meant to provide low cost shelter, not protection from a catagory 4 storm.
To compound the problem, most of these families do not have insurance. I cannot imagine the sense of futility of knowing you are about to lose everything you have, with no hope to prevent it.
Please say a prayer that by the grace of God the storm's impact does not take any casualties and that these folks are somehow able to persevere.
However, the biggest tragedy will be the thousands of lower income families who live in trailers and double-wides in the rural outskirts of the city. The current storm projections show a wide arc in which (and I quote) "all mobile homes will be completely destroyed". Think of stepping on an empty beer can and you get the idea. They are poorly insulated, meant to provide low cost shelter, not protection from a catagory 4 storm.
To compound the problem, most of these families do not have insurance. I cannot imagine the sense of futility of knowing you are about to lose everything you have, with no hope to prevent it.
Please say a prayer that by the grace of God the storm's impact does not take any casualties and that these folks are somehow able to persevere.
