Katrina - Top federal officials left out of loop

As I keep saying, as more information comes out, we are going to find out that there was massive incompetence at the state and local level in this disaster.

Now we find out the local government kept federal officials in the dark.

State and local officials did not inform top federal officials early on of the deaths and lack of food among hurricane victims in the Superdome or convention center, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said yesterday.

Mr. Chertoff said neither he nor Federal Emergency Management Agency chief Michael Brown was told of the deteriorating situation in New Orleans until Thursday night.

"This is clearly something that was disturbing. It was disturbing to me when I learned about it, which came as a surprise. You know, the very day that this emerged in the press, I was on a video conference with all the officials, including state and local officials. And nobody, none of the state and local officials or anybody else was talking about a convention center," Mr. Chertoff told CNN.

When challenged the mayor had this to say.

New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin was asked by MSNBC news why the city did not try to help poor people get out of New Orleans after he issued the mandatory evacuation.

Instead of providing transportation, Mr. Nagin said remaining residents were directed to the Superdome "as a shelter of last resort, but the help never came."

But why didn't he provide the transport when he issued the mandatory evacuation order? Why didn't he use the city school buses that are now flooded and ruined?

How could the help come if he didn't inform anybody that help was needed?

Here are the buses he should have used:

The mayor is now blasting the governor for stalling the aid efforts.

And he's spreading false medical information.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please help the victims of the Katrina disaster by donating to the Red Cross Katrina relief fund. Their donation page is here.

NZ Bear is keeping track of which blog people contributed through, and if you have the time please stop by there and register your donation.

Thanks.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------