Leaked emails expose US hurricane chaos

18/10/2005 - 15:31:52
A series of leaked emails has revealed infighting and chaos at the heart of the US government’s response to Hurricane Katrina.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) struggled to locate food, ice, water and body bags in the days after the disaster, fretted about media coverage and criticised local officials.

William Carwile, a top FEMA employee in Mississippi, wrote to a state official on September 3: “Biggest issue: resources are far exceeded by requirements.

“Getting less than 25% of what we have been requesting from HQ daily.”

The emails were requested by a House select committee investigating the government’s response to Katrina.

Homeland security chief Michael Chertoff is due to testify before the panel tomorrow.

The Gulf coast is still reeling from Hurricane Katrina, which hit land on August 29, killing more than 1,200 people.

At one point Carwile apparently struggled to locate then FEMA director Michael Brown, after being told that General Russel Honore, who controlled the military response, needed to speak to him “very badly“.

“Not here in MS (Mississippi). Is in LA (Louisiana), as far as I know,” he said.

He also begged Florida officials for supplies and personnel.

“Food is also critical. Need MRE (meals ready to eat) and/or heater meals if you have any,” he wrote on September 1.

“Water, ice, food in eastern counties should be your priority… Know Florida is providing law enforcement. Need all you can send. Have used Dixie Co. body bags (250) got more?”

Even before Katrina hit land, there was animosity between certain officials.

On August 28, FEMA deputy chief of staff Brooks Altshuler dismissed a White House proposal to create an inter-agency crisis management group.

“Let them play their raindeer (sic) games as they are not turning around and tasking us with their stupid questions,” he wrote.

“None of them have a clue about emergency management or economic impacts for that matter.”

Brown, who resigned on September 12 after widespread criticism of FEMA’s response to the disaster, acknowledged on August 27: “This one really has me worried.”

He wrote to a colleague in Florida, where Jeb Bush is governor: “I wish a certain governor was from Louisiana… and his emergency manager.”

The emails, obtained by CNN and the Associated Press, show that Brown was also worried about the media’s presence.

“CNN asking where’s FEMA. Would like to air-drop or do something there,” he wrote on August 31.

Carwile responded: “I am afraid we have built expectations over the years that might not be achievable for this catastrophic event. Nevertheless, we are trying to do all we can.”

A FEMA spokeswoman said no single email would give a clear or accurate picture of the emergency response.