Whoa - that single house...

Great photos

Unreal

The power of nature, the reaction of people. Very strong pictures, great selection as ever

http://tinyurl.com/5hs3zb

All this pictures are very impressives.
Courage has all those affected by Hurricane!
Benead from France

PS: sorry if my English is not very good

Amazing pictures as always Alan!

wow. powerful images.

Yeah, number 11... As amazing as all the photos here are, that one really stands out...

Those caskets! I'd heard about that, but only on The Big Picture would I see it!

Yeah the one house that survived or could you even imagine your house becoming an island like the first photo?

Yeah #11 totally caught me by surprise, best of the lot.

photo 11 hit me hard...you start to really get it when you see something like that.

god bless | good life

My heart goes out to the victims.
These dynamic photos are amost too painful to look at on a large computer screeen. Thank goodness Ike was short-lived!

http://contentinacottage.blogspot.com

These pictures are utterly fantastic. Not only are they great records of Ike's ability to destroy they are also great art.

Unbeliveable photo shots! Bizaare in their beauty.

American Beauty..

#11 is surealist. I cannot imagine the reaction of the neighboors.

Wow, just stunning images, I don't think the news has really conveyed the amount of damage Ike did.

Unbelievable pictures...

Makes me wonder where all the news coverage was in comparison to the leadup to Gustav. Are we only worried about New Orleans? Where are the pleas for assistance? I wonder what it says about our political climate...All I've heard is about the impact on gas prices. What about these poor people whose lives are turned upside-down?

And to think I was worried about the 6" or rain we got in Chicago this past weekend and whether my basement would flood...

wow - how awful

Unbeleivable! I agree with number 11. Amazing how memories, lives and well-being can be blown away all in one night. I hope it all works out for all the families that lived in these areas that lost everything and they bounce back.

I must say, that number 1 and 14 are the ones that affect me the most...

...Me

and you people still deny Global Warming?

Wow.....

#11 is why I'll stick to living on the mainland here in Florida.

Amazing photos, as usual.

Powerful photos...
...thousands of families will have to start all over again... I hope the governments make it easier for them... somehow..

Yes, the house one of 11 and 13 affected me, but 24 was the one I was most shocked by. 6 feet under really isn't all that much I guess...and you know that some individuals will likely try to loot those. Having recently buried a relative, I can only imagine the horror of being told that they had floated to the surface and been ravaged.

#2 stopped my heart! Can you imagine facing THAT?

And if American insurers have a grain of sense, they'll stop underwriting construction in vulnerable coastal areas. Alas, they've proven to lack that sense in the past.

Crazy...

Wow, some truly amazing, and touching photos. I feel for all those affected by this storm.

Jiff
http://www.privacy.cz.tc

Great photos and poor people...

Alex
http://www.recentnews.co.uk

@Kim (#11): You won't hear any anguished cries for assistance, either. Texans are a hearty bunch with an indomitable will.

Case-in-point, in 2001 Tropical Storm Allison left parts of the city of Houston, including the critical medical district, entirely submerged. The waters accumulated as high as 30 feet in some cases around Interstate 10, greatly limiting outside assistance. Undoubtedly, some aid was given from the government, but most understood that if you really wanted to fix the mess, you were going to have to do it yourself. We got to work, avoided the media fiasco and focus, and got the city back on its feet in short order.

That's the key difference between Texas and Louisiana. Louisiana is a failed, pitiful excuse for a welfare state. Texans get their hands dirty.

I haven't heard a single report of New Orlean's opening their doors to help the people in the Houston area. . . maybe that's just a one way super highway.

Nicely edited!

@ Georgia, #34: As a former resident of New Orleans (though it's been a long time), i strongly doubt they're the best-equipped to help, even if they hadn't just had another (lesser) hurricane sweep through. Surely somewhere like Dallas would be better equipped (and i'm sure probably is doing its bit).

Excellent set of photographs to remind everyone of the power of mother nature.

Makes me thankful to live in a country that doesn't have such extreme weather conditions.

http://www.mattrutherford.com

@ Chris H..

Is Houston below sea level? Didn't think so. It naturally drains. NOLA doesn't.

Why all this hate back and forth against NOLA. Seriously, what is the matter with you people?

Great shots, btw.. It's amazing how little coverage this is getting in the media. I guess texans would rather have their pride kill off those stupid enough not to evacuate than ask the country for some help.

As a professional who has been a proud resident of Louisiana and New Orleans for almost fifteen years, I just want to let the rest of the world know that New Orleanians are always ready to assist anyone in need and feel nothing but empathy and compassion for survivors of Ike. After deadling with Hurricane Gustav, we opened our arms to Ike evacuees and assistance has already been extended from groups and individuals from New Orleans. Residents of the Gulf Coast feel Hurricane empathy whether for their neighbors are in TX, MS, AL or Florida--especially those from New Orleans.

Not to subtract any of the tragedy from Hurricane Ike, but to those who feel it necessary to compare the experiences, losses or survivors of Katrina with any catastrophe do not have a firm grasp on the enormity, geographic anomolies or the fact that the devastation of Katrina in large part was caused by a catastrophic failure of infrastructure rather than a Hurricane. Those who lost to Katrina were from every social, ethnic, economic and political background and many are still struggling with the after-effects of the storm--poor and rich alike. I wanted to write not to those who choose to 'rabble rouse' based on misguidance or lack of information, but to those of you in the rest of the country and the world that might take away a negative perception of what is truly one of the best cities with the best people in the world, New Orleans.

Good Luck to everyone still recovering from Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

#34 Georgia - New Orleans can't help right now, even if it hadn't already lost much of its housing that is still not replaced. (See the NYT 8/31 article)

"Even though Ike spared Louisiana a direct hit, it unleashed a storm surge that reached 30 miles inland in places, flooding tens of thousands of homes and rendering many roads impassable." from the Times Picayune (9/15)

I think I'll take my chances with earthquakes, living in Southern California.

I can't wait for the bs about it being devine intervention in 11

God Bless all those affected by these devastating hurricanes & storms; yes Louisiana still has some dreggs of unscrupulous people in charge of our gov.system. We do have one who is trying to clean up this state(Gov.Bobby Jindal;He has come along way from what blanco & Mary L. has done;lining their pockets.) But not all louisianians are a sad lot (There are most of us who Do pick up our own bootstraps & Do get our Hands dirty;and take care of ourselves. (We may be a poor state; but we helpout /& Volunteer more than any of the rich hollywood types who fly around in Jets. We give from our own mouths,and clothes off our backs to help others in need. This is a praying state,and its GODS country.We dont vote to abort babies;we vote Gods will-> for
life. Not all people can be judged on the actions of a few!

@ Chris H

Modest. You forgot modest. Texans are very modest; not at all prone to bragging or bongo-chesting.

Wow! For people that still think there is no God.... they better think again! There is a God and He is in control!! My prayers go out to all who are effected by this massive storm -- remember though, the only treasures we can take with us to heaven are our children!

Did anyone save the horse in picture 1? Poor baby. How is it eating? Sadly, hese visuals are looking all too familiar in the past few years.

@gk (#38): You're right, it isn't, and the "fishbowl effect" as they call it is arguably New Orleans' greatest challenge as it pertains to removing floodwater. Houston, on the other hand, while not below sea level, still floods quite easily thanks to the high water table in the area. Also keep in mind that a receding flood can arguably do more harm than good.

You're welcome to disagree with my assessment of Louisiana, but if you saw what we saw in the aftermath of Katrina - busload upon busload of ungrateful, rude, ill-tempered, and entitled refugees actively refusing or chiding for being inadequate the hospitality and generosity of Houston area volunteers - and did not come away with a similar impression, you sir are a better man than I.

was #5 what #11 looked like before....or sort of?....very sad.....will pray for all these people...we were just lucky down in florida ike didn't come our way.....

For those of you offering your kind words and prayers, we appreciate them sincerely! Texans will fix our problems quickly as we always do, and we appreciate the help from our neighbors to the east in LA. For those of you looking to make a political statement within 48 hours of this natural disaster, please go f u c k yourself! Especially you #24...if you think man made global warming causes hurricanes, then please tell me why they have been happening on this planet for millions of years. We in the Houston/Galveston area have been blessed that it has been over 20 years since our last big storm, and I pray that it doesn't happen again for another 20+.

Wow...

#14 is spooky.

fantastic. thanks for sharing.

Seems these disasters keep getting worse. I wonder if December 12th 2012 there will be a world disaster as the planets are going to all line up and cause MAJOR dissasters around the globe. Scientist say the planets will line up on that day, the scary part is the Mymes calendar just so happens to stop on that day.

My heart goes out to all in Texas, and any where there's a disaster. Shame on you # 33, not all in Louisiana are lying on thier back sides collecting welfare checks.

Chris H #47 I am sorry for your Katrina experience. On the flip side, in Georgia, I saw many grateful people who unfortunately were, at times, treated no better than livestock (or people in a refugee camp - remembering these are fellow US citizens) in their efforts to get their lives back in order. We forget that what people need most during these trying times is a hug, someone to listen, patience and understanding (and some dry underwear-basics). They want their lives back to normal, just as any of us would. They want to go home, just as we all would. They don't want their dignity taken from them, just as we would not. And we never know when it might indeed be us. They are us. They just might not have the means to evacuate and then rebuilld their live as we think we might have.

Amazingly powerful. I hope when they rebuild, they rebuild to a new standard, one that will do better in withstanding this type of disaster. Take some extra time, spend a couple extra dollars. Its tough to watch the wolf blow over the houses built of sticks & straw.

New Orleans is a great place to visit -- the folks there are warm and friendly. I live on the west side of Houston, and probably would have thought of staying there had Ike hit to the west of us. NO really needs to do something about its mayor, though. Case in point: google "Ray Nagin Special Rate".

Thanks to the rest of the country for helping us in the recovery efforts. News stories documented assistance from the Colorado rescue and relief teams. Note that 40% of Galveston did not follow mandatory evacuation. Not including the elderly and those unable to evacuate themselves, "thank yous" go out to all of those who came to help our stupid people in Galveston. True, NO is below sea level and Houston drains, but Galveston is an island.

Lastly, this mess is not over yet. Downtown Houston is closed until further notice and many residents in the Houston metro area are still without power. Yes, insurance claims will be numerous, but lets not forget that this was an unusually large storm that has already claimed deaths in Texas, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, Tennessee, Arkansas and Kentucky. Thanks for your prayers.

Funny how after every natural disaster we have people who loudly proclaim that their imagined deity exists and is in total control of our lives and world. Fortunately, as an Atheist, I realize that these hurricanes and tropical storms are not driven by any higher power and therefore I don't take the damage they cause personally. I would think that the tragic results caused by these forces of nature would make we humans think twice about living on or near the coast. Rather than use reason, many people seem to fall back on superstition & find a way to claim that the destruction caused by hurricanes is simply their "god's" judgment on we poor sinners and we better get right or their angry, vengeful god will send even more death and destruction out of love and concern for our well-being. Sorry, I don't buy such BS that ignores reality & does nothing to prepare residents for the next storm that will eventually come. If a belief in your imagined deity helps you cope with a difficult life and an impersonal feeling world, then go ahead & believe but don't expect the rest of us to fall for this line of faulty thought. Humans are resilient and will rebuild, both in New Orleans and in Houston.

Yikes... I wish I could do something to help????
So grateful to live in Canada...

Toutes mes pensées cordiales et chaleureuses vont vers ceux et celles qui ont été touchées dans leur coeur et dans leur chair meurtris.
Beaucoup de gens en France pensent et prient pour que tout soit effacé et reconstruit afin que chacun retrouve un foyer et la dignité.

God blesses you.

Patrick from Paris in France

Sorry if it sounds cold-hearted, but it's very hard to feel sorry for people who build houses mere yards from the shoreline in an area infamous for hurricanes. How do they even get insurance? People who knowingly put themselves in harm's way and then put others at risk who have to go rescue them should get scorn and contempt, not praise and sympathy. If they rebuild in the same place, they deserve whatever happens to them next time. And there will be a next time.

These are awesome pics! Just a reminder that we should all live to appreciate. My prayers go out to all of the people in those areas. I live in San Antonio,and I thank God that we are able to supply services to these people in this time of need! May
God Bless them and be with them!

i have been thru a hurricane and will not do so again. my personal opinion is if an evacuation order has been issued and anyone stays of their own free will and has to be rescued after the storm, they should be financially responsible for all expenses incurred for their rescue. this is ridiculous, here in texas and in louisiana. we are spending hundreds of thousand of dollars to rescue people that should not have been there anyway. i feel the same for new orleans. they were told to get out but most wanted to stay and loot. they should have evacuated. i remember being taught 40 years ago in school that new orleans is below sea level and would flood someday. wake up people, it is NOT the governments responsiblity to wipe your nose and ass. grow up or move out of the USA>

WOW!!!!
Very indible!! and bad for these habitants

So glad I live in West Texas, I don't understand what makes people live in places that get pounded like that, even if it is decades between disasters. Then again, I get tired of droughts and wind storms that rip off people's roof - still, it's nothing like the destruction caused by massive storms such as Ike, et al.
Thankfully, most of the people I know from that area evacuated - though I wish it had been everyone safe and sound.

I don't even know what to say.... And I was complaing about bweing without power for 24 hours because of Ike....

#56 And what a miserable, sad, vengeful deity he/she must be, to unlease such calmity on innocent people. If he IS, then I don't like him. He does not deserve my love, never mind my time or money. You keep praying and I will keep doing.

14 is eerie

Unbelievable. I am going to pass on this web site address to family and friends. Hopefully, they will pause and say a prayer for everyone affected by Mother Nature's fury.

I am from Moldova and it is sad,very sad story from USA (((

Amazing images. Absolutely stunning.

I'm speechless. SO Disturbing and Sad!

Fabio

OMG! I feel so sorry for Texans! I went through powerful Hurricane Andrew in Miami in '92 so I know how it is. The difference, we didn't have flooding. But the destruction was horrendous.

dude

If you want to help, give to the Red Cross to help with the next disaster which may well be where you live. I am a resident of Tiki Island, TX and do not yet know the status of home. I am thankful to have safely evacuated with what I need, and appreciate all the kind thoughts seen here from all over the world. Houston is the largest city in the South, and by far the largest on the Gulf Coast. It is entirely logical that we would be best equipped to help others, and ourselves.

I spend a great deal of time in New Orleans. That city faces many challenges, the worst of which tend to be within it's political leadership, on both sides of the left/right fence. I have found the people of New Orleans to be among the warmest I've met anywhere in the world, and I wouldn't change a thing about them. It's a wonderful place, I suggest a trip there to find out for yourself.

my guess is photo #11 is a steel framed house. does anyone know?

I pray for these families and am shocked by the damage Ike has done to our TX coast. I, thankfully, live north of Dallas, and just saw some rain and wind. Nothing like this. Our coast is so beautiful and charming. Hate to see it in ruins like this. Hope to see it up and running again, and power on and safe for residents to return. God Speed our love.

those caskets........wow...god bless their souls!

#17 is a flasher out after the storm looking to get his sick jollies.

Robert C,
Who created 'nature' that you speak of? Or how? Did it just all of a sudden appear? The 4 seasons just happened to form to balance each other out by chance....or a loud bang. right? Where is the realistic in that? Or the reason behind that? What a simple explanation you live by...it just....happened. Great voice of reason. I completely understand where you are coming from with a lot of peoples reaction to natural disasters like this. I do not think that God "smited" thee in regards to NOLA or Galveston. I do think this is just a part of natures cycle. But I am a believer, and I do believe that God created nature. Please dont fall into the cynical trap of not believing just because you think that means you are weak-minded.

My heart goes out to the people whose lives got affected with this disaster. Great photos btw. Thanks for sharing them with us!

Simply wow.

Wow, to all the people who are bitter towards New Orleans, I don't understand it.

I stayed with friends in Houston during hurricane Katrina, and they were much more gracious than what I'm seeing coming from Texans here. We offered those friends, and all of our friends in Houston our home during this Storm. They told us that they were told not to evacuate, and so they didn't come here, but the offer was made, just as it was made during Rita.

To try and draw some distinction between people in Texas and those in Louisiana based on a disaster like this is despicable really. There are good and bad in both states. I don't think those making these comments about how texans get their hands dirty and louisianians don't quite realize what some people around here came back to after Katrina. One of the families we offered refuge to during Ike was a family from here who's house was submerged in oil and chemicals, and who's former land will not be habitable for 30 years. Should they have just "gotten their hands dirty" and stayed here? No they moved to Texas, where I suppose they'll have to learn to get their hands dirty.

Impressive shots, terrible event!!!

Giò
http://pampafamily.homeip.net/photoblog/oculus/

Pictures are amazing. #17 is my old apartment complex and sits right on Offatts Bayou. The unit I lived in was flooded. Thank goodness I moved into town. My hearts go out to everyone who lost someone or something in this storm. I was lucky, I only lost power for 3 days.

Thank you to all the towns who sent cherry pickers to help put up power lines, bulldozers to help clean up debris, and supplies to restock our stores.

To those who think we should build better: any house must be built to withstand 140 mph winds. The problem becomes the storm surge. The power of 15 feet of water and waves is amazing.

It's amazing that coastal communities don't learn their lessons from storms like Andrew (which I lived through, 2 months with no electricity) and Katrina and do something to be better prepared. I guess that for every community like Galveston and New Orleans and Homestead, they have to have their mass destruction in order to make things better afterwards. Amazing pictures...but sad.

Comment #24 -- YOU are an idiot! So that hurricane in 1900, was that Global warming as well?

Great pics though, thanks for sharing.

God is coming soon....the rapture is approaching all these events are just the beginining of whats to come!
Get to church and recieve god and jesus christ as your savior!

That you Boston, for sharing these photos . Looks strangely alot like Camille and Katrina's hits along the Mississippi Gulf coast...

What a shame that some people use this forum as a place to spread hate and bully anyone who was victimized by any storm...
My prayers to everyone in Texas and Lousiana , Chicago and Ohio who were hit by this storm system..

Those are some sad pictures and i will be praying for those families that lost everything due to that awful hurricane!!

I just find it hard to believe that some of you guys are like, "WOW, great photos..." - it's weird that some of your comments seem to center around the fact that they're 'great compositions' rather than the actual devastation that has actually occurred.

That's like seeing a photo of someone who just died in a car crash and saying, "Wow, great photo!"

Blech.

For the delusional lady who posted in post #45about how this is proof that her deity exists; replace the word "god" with "nature" and you will be one step closer to sanity and rational thought. With your obvious lack of intelligent reasoning controlling your thinking, maybe you should be better off living with Palin in Wasila or even Saudi Arabia. There you will find many other brainwashed believers in the supernatural. For everyone else who has there doubts, just go back and reread the first couple of paragraphs in the old testament to remind you that the entire book is a made up fable written by people who didn't even know that germs existed or what space was.

I must say hese are images with discription-Very impress

God had nothing to do with the pictures above. So stop trying to blame someone or something. As for evacuating, for those of you who haven't been watching the news, many of the stranded did try to evacuate. The storm surge from Ike was beyond anything they had seen down there in 100 years. When people went to evacuate 24 hours before the storm on Bolivar Peninsula, the water was already so high that evacuating was impossible. Yes, some people do refuse to leave and for them I have little sympathy. But don't pass judgement until you have walked in someone else's shoes... There are natural disasters everywhere... tornadoes in tornado alley... earthquakes in California and beyond... hurricanes along the coast... should we point fingers and blame all of these people for living in areas that are disaster or storm prone or should we reach out and help people in need? I always find it sad that some people seem to have so much time on their hands that they can sit here and type disparaging comments about people that have been devastated. If you have that much time on your hands, why don't you get out there and volunteer your time to help people in need?

#18 - So that's where I put my boat.

Seriously though that is horrible. It reminds of the big one in Florida. I hope they are able to recover. Cancer Treatment

wow!

yet another disaster during the Bush years...what a sh*t-luck president

Based upon the history here in Louisiana, I can understand the reticence of those not wanting to leave. After Katrina and Rita, many folks were not allowed to go back to their homes for weeks, if not months, after leaving for what they thought was a few days. Many think it is better to stay with your property, than leave it for months unguarded, and start anew elsewhere.

#11 reminded me of Holly Beach, in Cameron Parish after Rita. Nothing left but pilings, except for the one odd house. Mother nature is powerful.

I feel so sorry for those people but I don't get why people live in those areas. I just hope everyone is okay. It must be horrible for people to go through that. I'm just happy that people I know evacuated when everyone else did. May God bless everyone....the people who didn't evacuate, the people who did, the people who are setting up shelters, and for the authority trying to find people who didn't evacuate. I will be praying for everyone. God Bless America!!!!!

Many moving pics: the lone house, the horse, the kitty caught in the tree. My heart goes out to all who have been affected. Know how it feels. Katrina hit my family pretty hard in LA. The power that could be unleashed on us all is enough to sober the most obstinate disbeliever.... That person who said it was bs should take this as a warning: Not punishment but a warning to avoid punishment for us all....

amazing photos

Haven't heard anything about the tanker that was stranded off the coast of Galvaston and was in direct path of Ike. conditions were too dangerous for rescue crews to assist the tanker. Did the tanker and crew survive?

@ Chris "Texans will get their hands dirty"

Yeah, and everybody else's too. Keep your dirt to yourself please; generalizations about states, man-made conceptual borders that are relatively recent and overlain on many a people before the current immigrants took over.
Look a little bigger, maybe on a planetary or universal level for a minute; your comments are small-minded and useless.

..........Does anyone even remember what happened to the people of Punta Gorda...Port Charlotte...and Northport , Florida......although a much smaller scale...it hurts us all the same if it is your community...seeing it news reports and papers is NOT even close to reality when/if you must live among/rebuild the shambles and pick up and go on...ONLY when you are in those SHOES does the devastation totally hit you.......and you feel humbled and glad to be spared.........

For those who don't get why we live in these areas....

Maybe we should all just move to your town. I'm sure there's plenty of room.

I believe photo # 7 is not access road 523, but actually the 332 bridge intercoastal canal crossing, see here:

http://www.texasfreeway.com/houston/photos/freeport/freeport.shtml

can anyone confirm?

:(

#93: Bingo. It's odd that this country blames or attributes things like storms to God. It's comical, and small minded beyond words.

Vivid images that helped me understand the level and nature of the damage better than any written account.

A picture is worth a thousand words even when we don't like what they say.

Dang, this is an awesome photographic record of a catastrophic event. I had to look at these photos twice--unbelievable!

I followed this storm closely on the news for the many days that it developed; I don't have television so all I had was the internet to inform me of what was going on. I did notice that many people were not taking the evacuation orders very seriously, and in fact it showed people out frolicking in the swell and taking pictures, etc., when the waves were already crashing two stories high.

There will always be people who ignore orders to evacuate in a storm. It may seem crazy, but that's just human nature. It's also human nature to want to live in a beautiful area next to the ocean, and so on. However, it does make sense that those who refuse to evacuate in the fact of a looming catastrophe would have to share some of the financial burden. It isn't fair that a fireman or guardsman would have to risk his or her life to save someone who is too stubborn to leave when it's obvious that he should, although I know that they (the firefighters) don't really mind.

Anyway, these are great photos and very interesting. Thanks for posting them. :)

Your web site is new to me and wonderful. I have bookmarked you and will always depend on your site for pics and truth.

My mom and I tried to identify the homes in your photos because we are from Winnie, TX. Thanks for the coverage.

#59 is a reak JERK!

Are we missing the bigger picture ,are we being blind to what we are actually causing , is the alligator, going to be the only animal to be roaming our streets.
wake up and see the reality
Thank you for a faboulous insite into what has happened
our hearts and prayers go out to each of the afflicted that they may bear the loss and recover soon.

Those photos are super ,nice job :) My heart goes out to all the people who lost their homes and everything in them! I am very greatful noone lost their lives , material things can always be replaced a life can not ! God Bless :)

This goes to show that you NEVER underestimate the immense power that mother nature holds against us. This is reality and it seriously cannot get any worst than this. These images give me goosebumps; it seriously raises concern as to how much power this planet carries, the very own soil we live on can be taken away with one of natures most powerful forces.

God bless those who have lived this tragedy and my prayers goes out to the families who have lost loved ones against this unstoppable creature.

For those who don't understand why we live in areas that are prone to getting hit by hurricanes...the same question can be asked of those that live in areas with fault lines that tend to have earthquakes, areas with volcanos - no matter how dormant, tornados, droughts, blizzards, and the list could go on and on. The one thing that we have here on the coast is a much greater warning of the danger coming that people in those other areas do not have, so we can pack up and leave if we choose to do so, and have a lesser loss of life and belongings. As far as Texans "getting their hands dirty" I happen to be a Texan by birth that was transplanted to the New Olreans area when I was 3 years old. I, myself, will get my hands dirty and do what needs to be done in order to recover from these disasters, and this isn't just because I was born in Texas. Whoever it was that said this, well, you are another of those that enjoys stereotyping people. Many people here in the New Orleans area are not afraid to get their hands dirty at all, and in fact, have gotten their hands so dirty that the dirt may not ever come off!

As far as New Orleans aiding Texas in their evacuation, we did offer as much as we could. Do some people forget that on September 1, 2008 New Orleans got the east side of Hurricane Gustav? We still have people here with no electricity and debris that needs to be removed and the storm took place less than two weeks before Hurricane Ike. Our police officers are still in "Emergency Mode" and have been working up to 128 hours per week...yes, I did type PER WEEK!

For those friends and family of mine in the areas that Ike damaged as well as those that I don't know that are considered fellow neighbors, as well as fellow humans, my thoughts and prayers go out to you all during this time of recovery for you. And do NOT let those people that don't understand why we live where we do discourage you from rebuilding, whether you rebuild where you lived before Ike or choose another place.

@Kim (#11): That's the key difference between Texas and Louisiana. Louisiana is a failed, pitiful excuse for a welfare state. Texans get their hands dirty.

Posted by Chris H September 15, 08 02:08 PM

I haven't heard a single report of New Orlean's opening their doors to help the people in the Houston area. . . maybe that's just a one way super highway.

Posted by Georgia September 15, 08 02:08 PM

I find these two posts amazing. Instead of sending love and support to Texans, who really need it right now, these two posters are bashing NOLA?!?!?!

FYI, Most of SWLA was hit with storm surge as bad as TX was. It's kinda hard to open your doors to others when your house is under water, and the highway isn't one-way; it's flooded. This is LA's second storm in less than three weeks. Give a break!

Nevertheless, NOLA residents who are in a position to do so (i. e. they are not cleaning muck out of their houses) have ALREADY begun providing financial and physical assistance to TX residents. They are grateful for the support they received from the Houston area in particular and have the advantage of recent experience to help them know what people will need.

Finally, I really find the "holier-than-thou" tone of the first post ridiculous. At least NOLA residents learned from experience and "got the hell out of Dodge" when a Cat 3/4 storm threatened. Why were so many Texans left stranded on barrier islands and peninsulas barely escaping from houses that ended up looking like matchsticks after the surge? My point is that nobody's perfect. Instead of being sanctimonious, give your help and concern for all the victims of this year's hurricane season. People in FL, LA, and TX have had their lives devastated by Fay, Gustav, and Ike. Can't we show some love?

Scary.... i hope they all recover from this soon. :(

Someone commented earlier about the steel frame house. I do hope that if and when people rebuild on the devastated parts of Bolivar Peninsula they do so with both steel frame and concrete blocks. Concrete holds up better to hurricane force winds and is more likely to survive the effects of storm surge. Plus it has the advantage, if properly built, of staying cooler in the summer heat. Even if only the load-bearing walls are build this way, TX residents would have a better chance of finding their homes still in place after a cat 2 or even cat 3 storm.

That girl in the last photo deserves to cry.

please show more of sabine pass

New challenges, builds strength.
We are with you Texas.

Does anybody have pictures of West Orange or Beaumont? We don't get anything but Houston and Galveston on the news here in Houston, and all of our family is in Orange/Beaumont area. They each evacuated but don't know anything except "don't come back yet."

I'm sure you don't want to hear some hippie complain, but in photograph #16, the oils slicks in the water, that is unreal. You can use the rig to truly understand scale. The homes will be rebuilt, the water will evaporate, and life will never be the same. However, oil doesn't evaporate, or dissipate when embodied in water molecules. There will be devastation for the animals in the oily water for time to come, after the town puts Ike behind them.

OMG not the cemetaries

New challenges, builds strength.
We are with you Texas.

Sad, but spectactular!!

#11 reminds me of the scene in "Gone With the Wind" when Scarlett goes to the hospital to get Dr. Meade to deliver Melanie's baby and the camera pans out to show the thousands of soldiers waiting for treatment and Scarlett is in the middle of it all.

Wonderful compilation as always.

And I think you should build your house where you want to. But if there is a mandatory evacutaion order don't put the responders at risk, and increase the $ burden, and distract from other recovery efforts by staying. There was plenty of notice with this storm.

To those who offered their prayers and condolences--thank you.
To those who chose to voice their ill-willed opinions here, shame on you. This is a situation that caused thousands to lose their homes, millions to lose power, and billions of dollars in damage. As a resident of this area, I would rather see more concern for the people affected by the storm than a concentration on stereotyping and political and religious debates. Any aid would be very welcomed--the Red Cross is accepting donations.
I'm glad these pictures were posted, even if they are painful (I know most of these places deeply). They will help to bring recognition to this storm that was largely ignored by the media.

I DO HAVE TO AGREE WITH # 59 & #61 IF THE SHOE FITS YOU HAVE TO WEAR IT, NOT THE TAX PAYERS..............................

Well, like the pets and animals left behind after Katrina, I am worried about the horse and the cat pictured above. Have they received any help? These images, and especially the ones of the helpless animals that are so dependent on us humans, haunt me.

I am a Hurricane Katrina surivior. The pictures here are so familiar, but different towns. I pray for those who lost their homes and hope they have the courage to rebuild or relocate. I feel your pain, lost and despair. Always remember that you can and will go on. It'll be hard for a long time, but in time, you will prevail. I hope this experience, as bad as it is, makes you a stronger person. Love the day and let the people you love KNOW that you love them.

It's utterly tragic !

Hopefully, the building codes will be tightened. There are a few houses that made it among a street of destroyed homes. I'd be looking for that contractor !

Just think, this was far from a Cat 5.

awesome!

The pictures are great.

As a former Houstonian and someone whose daughters, other family members, and friends live there, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hang in there and persevere and just remember people are here to help you.

There are still areas without power and don't know when they will get it. The damage is devastating all over the areas and it will take several months to get it back to some kind of normalcy. Some schools will be closed till Wednesday and others will be longer. It is a day by day basis.

The people desperately need WATER. If anyone knows a retailer that can ship it down there, they would greatly appreciate it. When temperatures are in the 90's and higher, water is of utmost importance to keep the people from dehydrating and possibly having heat strokes.

Donations are still needed through the Red Cross or any other agency that is sending funds to Hurricane Ike and Hurricane Gustav people.

The first picture gives new meaning to the old saying "no man is an island"

ours was one of the ones that got blown away in gilchrist! I had a lifetime of memories there. Everything must come to an end.

Would it be possible to get photos of Orange, north Orange, and the area around the Little Cypress schools on your sight? We have many friends from there and wonder how the area has held up. During Rita all we heard about was areas other than Beaumont and Orange. even though those areas were hit terribly hard. We are sorry for all those that have suffered loss, but would like to know how our old friend "Orange" has sustained another big hit.

John, from what I've seen of this blog, once the photos are posted, Alan doesn't make any changes except for editorial corrections of the captions. If you want to see photos from Orange, you'll have to either wait for another day or find a different source.

Speaking of different sources, the Houston Chronicle has a lot of Ike photos up:
http://www.chron.com/news/photogallery/In_Hurricane_Ikes_Aftermath.html

Fantastic pictures,thanks! I live on Dauphin Island, Alabama (on the east end...smart end) and we saw this kind of devistation on our little island during Ivan and Katrina, but were spared from Gustav and Ike. We evacuated for Gustav, but got caught by rapidly rising water over our only road off the island by Ike. Thank God all we got was a shower and loss of power for a couple of hours. The power of a hurricane like this, especially the storm surge, defies comprehension. I pray for the recovery of all the people that had their lives altered so drastically by this storm. I felt the frustration of being in long lines waiting for water and food after Katrina, and the folks of Galveston will make it thru this. Maybe next time ALL of them will find a way out of harm's way

Hey No. 112, you don't smell so good either!

These pictures are so excellent and yet so sad. i dont even really know what to say except that I hope and pray for the best for everyone involved. Its so horrible how nature can be so strong and dammaging. My heart goes out to all of you. God bless!

P.S...What don't kill you will only make you stronger!
*Huggs*

Honestly, there are no comparisons between storm. The effect of losing your home, your neighborhood, people you love, having to be uprooted and live somewhere unfamiliar for months (and some may not even return) is devastating NO MATTER WHAT THE NAME OF THE STORM. I speak from experience.

Andrew, Wilma, Katrina, Ike and whatever other hurricane names you want to throw in there all did the same thing and it hurts.

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the recent storms and I only hope that when evacuation orders are given people take them seriously, even if they were for naught.

P.S. I'm sorry, but I have to say the following because it's an issue that politicians are pushing. Photo #16. The Oil Slick. Bad news. It's going to cost to clean that mess. And they (Politicians) want to start drilling off Florida's and other coastlines. I don't think it's a good idea.

My, oh my...#11 is incredible...I cannot imagine that sort of destruction. Amazing.

www.cookevilleweatherguy.com

How terrible- My heart goes out to all those folks who lost their homes-I am glad the loss of live was minimal- Houses can be rebuilt but we never get over the loss of a loved one-

wow that picture with the one house that looks unharmed is incredible.

My family and I have spent the past three days cleaning up the damage to our house and property in North Houston (a non-evac zone) and have only had access to our battery operated radio - thank goodness for 740 KTRH. We are all from the Galveston area and these are the first pictures we have seen of the devastation (our power just came back on). The pictures are incredible but at the devastation pains my heart. We are thankful that we are all safe - houses can be rebuilt......

On a side note, I've read a lot of the comments and there were very few mandatory evacuation orders this time (unlike Rita where 4 million people were trying to evacuate at the same time). The one problem I see is that this time the mandatory evacs came too late to get everyone out. For the city and county leaders its a hard call to make. Who really knows where a hurricane is going to hit until it's too late?

To answer comment #101, I read that the ship survived the storm and the crew are safe, so at least there's a little good news.

Anyone who wants to help can donate to the Red Cross, which I understand has gone into debt trying to help out after Gustav.

Pictures that made me think about how short life is. Everything is temporary no matter where you live and we all have to face this fact. In these experiences compassion is needed more than critical remarks. I'm just thankful that more lives were not lost. God is good even when bad things happen.

Picture number 18 of the cat in the tree haunts me.
The look of misery and fear on his face is probably reflected in
thousands of human and animal faces alike in the wake of Ike.
I know how it feels having stood outside in the wake of Ivan saying
a prayer of thanks for surviving and looking around in awe at the
devastation to my town.
God Bless you Texans for what you will have to face in the coming weeks.

We all feel sorry for everyone who had effects from Ike~our heart goes out to you all. These are incredible pictures. Thank you for sharing.

To all of you effected by Gustav and Ike, my thoughts are with you. I am from Nebraska and I have no idea what it would be like but have seen the effects. My Husband has been in Louisianna and was just sent to Texas to help all of you with the power. So please when you see those men out there helping you restore your city a simple thank you is all it takes. My husband talks about the things he has seen and it upsets him very much and that is why he is there. It is a terrible thing to think of small children or of any of you out of power water food. He is there helping you.. I haven't seen may husband for 3 weeks, but i no is is doing a wonderful thing. Soo....I wish you all the best of luck and my prayers are with you all

I read some posts that said people who build so close to the water deserved what they get. I guess with those thoughts we shouldn't build in states that have frequent tornadoes, states that have rivers running them them that could flood or states that are vunerable to earthquakes. Natural diasters will always occur in all parts of our country so we need to have a little more understanding and a lot more sympathy for anyone that endures these type of events. My heart goes out to all of those affected by this storm.

I love the mountains, the ocean front is not for me. It will be a long time to recover. God bless those who lived there.

Only about 140,000 people stayed out of MILLIONS who left. Most stayed because of Rita's experience. Also, a general opinion from the multiple people I talked to (work, school) most people agree that if you were stupid enough to stay behind under a mandatory evacuation, you should have to pay for your own rescue. As for experiences in Dallas, evacuees have come rudely most of the time. While they are greatful ones there seems to be just as many ungrateful ones. For example not calling your distant cousin to say your bringing over 15 families to stay in your home when there is a hotel across the street. And on top of that they want you to clean up after them and take care of them and continue to work 6 days a week like my co-worker. It's a stressful time for everyone nearby.

I finally got around to looking at this..... glad I did! Its strange how I got the perception from the news and The Weather Channel that Ike was a bust of a storm. But I don't think I'd know the difference between these pictures and ones from Katrina

To those that question why a person choses to live on the Gulf, walking his beach at sunrise and sunset, enjoying the fishing and restful lifestyle MOST of the time. we can not come up with a reason you would understand, and for that....I am grateful ! It would be more crowded if you understood what we see.

#24, hurricanes aren't caused by global warming. This is not the first time Galveston has been nailed.

Such powerful photos... you really captured the devastation and loss and made it real for those of us who feel so far away from it. My heart goes out to everyone affected by this storm.

(For some reason, #13 stands out for me. Something about seeing all that debris piled up to ridiculous heights makes me think of the person-hours it will take to clean up the entire area. Unbelievable.)

An amazing collection of photo journalism. Well done.

the caskets were freaky....

Excellent photos amid such devastation! But why do we have to turn to bickering and finger-pointing during such times as these? These people need help and the very best thing we can do is contribute our money to the organizations that are doing the work in these areas instead of relying completely on government assistance.

Don't blame and don't shame, just be there to help and serve if at all possible. No good comes to those who sit back and judge. After viewing these photos, I am thankful to be going to bed tonight in a warm, dry bed and I won't complain this month about my high electric bill, but just be glad I have it. These should be times to bring us together, not divide us.

I also prefer living in Southern California. We do have earthquakes, with lots of destruction, but not that frequent.My prayers go out to all the people that lost love ones and property. Homes can be replaced, but life no. Will be interesting to see how fast they re-build all that damage.I think everyone will be amazed. Good luck

Lo siento de todo corazón por todos ustedes, estáis viviendo un horror !!! Que Dios os guarde, ayude, anime.... Desde las Islas Canarias,

Je suis avec vous tous de tout coeur, vous vivez l'horreur ! Que le Bon Dieu vous garde, vous aide, vous donne des forces.Des Iles Canaries.

Sorry for you from the bottom of my heart... God bless and help you !!! From Canary Islands. Excuse my bad english...

#56 - Thank you for a sensible post.

For those who are truly compassionate, try to offer your help through whatever means possible at this moment.

For those who are too lazy to do anything but want to feel good about yourselves, pray.

Behold the might of the Flying Spaghetti Monster! Nonbelievers repent!

A question, why they still build wooden house ?

We get no hurricanes where I live, but quakes and volcanic activity (Mt. St. Helens). Looking at pic #18, is that you you rate hurricanes, by the average # of cats up in the trees?

I would appreciate everyone who mentions of such heartful prayers and supportive encouragements to those who have suffered the consequences of the malicious storm, Ike, but not those who just mentioned how great quality or amazing these displayed pictures are. Because, it is just wrong to say something like that regarding these kinds of photos. You know why? These are not some regular, great photos that make people pleased or wonder how they pictured it. Imagine yourself in their shoes right now, how painful would it be? Without any means of electricity, cleansed water, no comfy beds, proper clothes, not even computers that you guys are using right now to surf the internet to see these unfortunate photos.

Please, don't just say stuff like, great pictures! or how nice the photographer is!, to undermine the main, significant point of these photos.

My sincere prayers and heart goes out to all of those people who are suffering due to the storm's monsterous acts.

Everyone, please try to have some heart to conjoin together or on individual, to at least vicariously feel their sorrows and despair by easing your extravagant expenses and having some less "enjoyful" weekends with some silence times.

God be with you, those who faced the storms and other mother nature disasters.

KYL.

Don't you almost want to hug the life out of pinhead sphincters like #91 (Ryan). These atheist types (anti-theists) just have to pop in and give their little destructive comments. If you want to remain a fool and not believe in a Creator God, then shut up and let the other 90% who know better go on with the business of living with today's trials and tribulations. Those that know Him and have that promise and blessed assurance of eternal life through faith in Christ our Lord. We live in hope, not depression and fear.

I would hate to live in a world where a life doesn't matter because it's all considered coincidence and chance. True wisdom comes from awe and respect (fear) of God. What you or I believe doesn't matter, it's what's true that matters. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. The hardest part of living is knowing I am commanded to love everybody, including those who openly blaspheme and despise the Sovreign God who has created everything seen and unseen. I pity those who have lost love ones and property, but I pity the lost soul more.

May the Holy Spirit comfort and counsel those affected by this natural disaster. Encourage and help others during this time and receive strength and joy from the Lord.

Why do americans build those crappy wooden houses?

That devastation is normal in these conditions. If you used bricks and cement you wouldn't have so many problems.

For #101 - Yes, thankfully, the freighter's crew all made it to safety after Ike hit land. (They were off to the side of the storm, but the waves and wind prevented a rescue.) I wouldn't be surprised to see a picture of them kissing the dirt as they got off that boat. I am sure they have some stories to tell about their ordeal!

It is an extreme tradgedy, worsened by the fact that this is not the first storm in very recent years to cause this type of damage, and in some cases... worse. When will we realize that WE are at the mercy of this planet that we call OURS? The more we take from it, the more it fights back. We need a major change in our thinking of what LIFE is supposed to be about. NOT the dollar, NOT the posessions we own, NOT who is most powerful. We need to wake up before it is too late.

All my feelings are with the population of Texas ...may the force be with ALL of you! Rescuers ...victims ...

Thank you for the pictures. For the first 20 years of my life, the Beaumont/Orange area was my home. My brothers, sisters, and friends still live in the area, though I have not for for over 30 years. I first went to the beaches around Galveston when I was 13. I still remember the morning I sat on a pier by myself and watched the sunrise through dark gray clouds and felt spellbound by the beauty and the omnipotence of God. Alas, it has washed away now, but with our hand in His, the displaced will rebuild their lives, if not their homes. I am thankful for the rescue and relief folks from all different walks of life and areas that are there helping to give aid where ever it is needed. It will take many months of clean up.

Just a single think from France... Such beautiful photos for such terrible event... How strange it may be sometimes... All my thoughts to people living there...

Sorry, but why don't you build concrete houses?? Is it So hard to predict that your Canadian type houses will fall easily?? You think of yourself as the most powerful country in the world yet you dont have the brains to draw conclusions of earlier disasters??

Thanks for sharing. Great photos, terrorific images.
Our best wishes from Spain. We are all brothers at the end.

great picture... what a great natural disaster.. lucky i'm in Indonesia, never hitted by big storm like that

Lo siento muchisimo. Lamento en el alma por lo que estais pasando.
Un fuerte abrazo.

Rather than spending money on war against other countries USA should spend money to recover the damage of Ike! Make something that will prevent future disasters like that.

The loss of life has NOT been minimal. The government has refused to let the media onto the Bolivar Peninsula. Five hundred did not evacuate there. Of the twenty thousand who stayed in Galveston, 1,500 have been accounted for. Look at #11 again and realize that 20,000 were still there. There will be many more pictures, and tears, in the days to come.

Amazing photos!

where is Ike today

beaucoup de courage à vous tous et gardez les têtes hautes !
Lo

I feel sad for all the lives lost in the Hurricane. No one can imagine what is god's will. God bless all the families which have been resuced.

Truly amazing pictures. Can't imagine the distress of all the people in the storms' path. Nature at it's unleashed worst.

The destruction hurricane Ike has done just reminds me of our true mortality.
I hope that more people survived than in Katrina.

I'm not sure we can blame anyone. But, I do know that Bush-bashing, God-bashing, global warming blaming and hateful comments upset me. Yes, I know, I don't have to read the comments. I just took a deep breath and prayed for the victims as well as the posters who seem so bitter toward others... as if they were perfect.. Thanks for the photos. So much information in a concise manner!

its awesome great photos

Extremely sorry for the people who suffered the loss of life and property.
May GOD grant the survivals courage to bear the loss and may they be blessed with better fortune.Amen.

The pictures brought tears to my eyes

Very impressive and heartbreaking.

Some of the comments at the bottom are hard to swallow! How could some people be so nasty? It does not make any difference who or what a person believes in IE God, Mother nature or aliens, it is a tragic moment in life. A gesture of common Courtesy and compassion does not cost a thing. My heart goes out to all of you who have been touched in one way or another by the devastation created by Ike.
On the other hand a couple of photos look as though they have been altered. If this is true, SHAME ON YOU!
Come on #11, a few shingles and a couple of broken banister rails???
#15, Well placed visual effects?
#17 Your car is a little too clean to have survived the storm and a sail boat!!!
If my suspicions are incorrect, I apologize deeply.

It's long past the time for praying.

The religious of this earth—the believers in the supernatural—have much to answer for by denying the findings of the world's best scientists and pretending that life on earth is less important than some hoped for afterlife.

It's time to get on with doing what we need to do now here on earth, for our children and their children, because life on earth is a beautiful thing.

#158, actually the scientific consensus is that global warming will indeed produce more violent and changeable weather.

my god leana, not seen anything like them pics in my life. how was you affected by this awful event??ed

I just have no words for this!!!!!!!!

As disaster mitigation measures I would believe that all evacuees should
1. shut off their electrical supply at the main fuse panel. This prevents electrical short circuits that will start a house fire. It also prevents overloading the power company equipment.
2. close the main water supply valve into the house. This will prevent broken plumbing pipes leaking water and thereby lowering water pressure in the mains pipesand contaminating the water supply.
3. if you have natural gas pipes (fuel oil, propane tank) shut off the valve too.

What can any one say when we sit here in our own homes safe looking at what others have gone through.

Godbless you and stay safe........

Although #11 is technically "still there", my opinion would be that it is not safe to enter. One small bit of push or weight would bring it down.

One cannot grasp the destruction done by IKE until seeing these pictures. My daughter lives in Inez, Tx, and thankfully, she and her family were safe. I will never complain about our Canadian snowstorms again after seeing this. My heart and prayers go out to all these people affected by hurricanes everywhere.

My prayers are with the victims of this disaster. It is so sad, my heart goes out to them.

This storm reflects the disorder of the state of the world. And yes, I believe that we have an angry God. The punishments/chastisements will continue until society turns from evil to good. If this world continues in it's present state of living as if there is "no God," than with deep, deep sadness, as prophecized, we will continue to receive more disasters and turmoils of every kind. God is everything, we are nothing.

Always there is a glorious resurrection as all things will be restored as in heaven.

Just Overwhelming!

My God be with them in their time of need.

Does anyone know if Angleton,Tx was hit?

Wonderful Pictures.... well done job in capturing the devestation. God is Real and though some may not understand and may think you are crazy .... He has all power and allowed this to happen.... that someone may realize he is real and can do anything. Maybe it was the person's house that was left standing, that prayed so hard that they wouldn't have to rebuild. It's okay every knee has to bow... every tounge will confess. God bless the persons effected by the Storm System Ike.!!!!!

Great pictures. GOD bless the people that had to go thru this and I praty they are safe now.

Have just received this here in the UK. What awesome pictures showing the power of nature. Having lived for over 20 years in Palm Beach County Florida I am well aware of the power of hurricanes. Good luck to all the rescue forces, where would we all be without them.

Although it doesn't make it any easier, I guess we better get used to it. It seems to be happening more and more.

God bless the people devastated by Ike's trail of destruction.

as a resident of Florida , i KNOW the pain of sites such as these, and yet
they shock even me!
We were victims too when not one but 3 'back to back' storms hit us
three years ago. We without power for 2 weeks, the first storm, 15 days
the second storm, and 10 days the third storm!
We were then hit by a tornado! We have lived in this home for 38 years
and that was the first (and last we hope) tornado.
we had more damage , and even though power was up in about 6 days
we were getting very tired of this!
but the good news is , we know we can survive, with the help of
local law enforcement, Army Reserve, and The Salvation Army!
the one organization I would never count on is American Red Cross
all we got from them was a note on the door..."if you need something
call this number!:" please, we didn't have phone service!
The military knocked on our door , handed us M.R.E.'s as well as
water, bread, etc. necessities , like cleaning supplies!
They had trucks parked at strategic places in town where you could
drive through, they loaded enough ICE, for the size of your family, they
had large bags full of snacks, bread, etc. there for the taking.
I am hoping we are spared this year, but we now know we can make it
if we have to.! Bless the victims

FYI, The Equipment in Picture 27 is not a bulldozer, it's a Front End Loader.
Bulldozers have a blade and only push or grade.
FEL's have a bucket and can scoop and lift.
Bulldozers run on tracks.
FEL's run on giant oversized tires.

The builder of the house in photo 11 should use the photo for an advertisement.

That is sad.

Scott,(181), That's not correct, this picture #11 is of Gilchrist. There's NEVER been 20,000 people in that town at the same time in it's entire existence. It's simply not big enough.

As far as "Why don't you build your houses out of brick and cement?'...
Uh...try building that type of house on stilts. It would crack and fall apart just from the natural expansion and contraction through the years. I'd argue that NO construction, brick or otherwise, can withstand the sheer force of that much water at once.

That is amazing.....my heart goes out to all that had to face the wrath of Hurricane Ike and all others past, present and future. It is time for strength, courage, faith and togetherness. Have faith and you will all over come this horrible time!

In fact, there have been offers of help from New Orleanians...

Anyone on dry ground wishing to help, there are operations needing volunteers and donations of much-needed veterinary supplies.

Ike was a huge storm, as illustrated by the satellite photos, and affected many parts of the South - many places hit by Katrina, Rita, and Gustav have now been damged by Ike.

I am working to help a large group of cattle farming families in Vermillion Parish, in the southern end of Louisiana, whose herds are now without any grazing, and whose farms have once again been flooded - fourth and fifth generation farmers who are normally very self sufficient, and who in fact did move their herds to higher ground - only to have the storm follow them up. They have done what they could, and still find themselves once again in need of assistance they'd rather be in a position to give to others.

If anyone can donate goods or services, and would like to help, please go to
http://www.hopefulhaven.com/

Send an email if you can volunteer, or need help getting something there. I will be coordinating donations.

This is a 501(c) IRS registered charity, and any donations will be tax deductible.

There will be a convoy of other farmers going to the area from Shreveport on Wednesday, with whatever they have gotten so far, and they will be making more trips as necessary - with a line of pickup trucks and stocks trailers filled...

There are many places that have been damaged, and many places to donate - please consider this one, if you can - they are good, hardworking people, who do for themselves when they can, and do for each other when they can't. They aren't in the main focus, so this is the only help they will most likely get...

Thank you so much-

Rosalie...in high & dry Needham
for
Debra A. Barlow
President & Certified
Animal Cruelty Investigator
318-286-3116 or 318-797-7464
www.hopefulhaven.com
hopefulhaven@yahoo.com

Êîøìàð! Ïðåä ïðèðîäíàòà ñòèõèÿ ÷îâåêúò å áåçñèëåí. Äîñòà ñòðàøíè÷êî ìè ñå âèæäà.

Coming from an area hit hard by Katrina, my heart goes out to all who were affected by Ike. The Mississippi coast continues to rebuild 3 years after Katrina hit. It looks like Texas will have a similar time line. I can only pray that you have as many wonderful people coming to help you as we have had.
We also lived in Orange in the 90's. I would love to see some pictures of North Orange. We still have friends there and I would like to know that they are OK.

To those who don't know why people live in these areas....let's start with jobs and family. There are plenty of problems wherever you live. Please don't bash these people, help them.

The Photos open the experience up for those who have not been there.
Ike was big but not near as big as it could of been.

Ride it like you stole it

313 is amazing. Notice the amount of debris but not even one missing shingle on the house.

It makes me want to leave work and go help in some small way. These pictures are truly amazing.

Very impressive pictures !

I try to send a little bit hope to the victims.

Martin from Belgium...

Oh, I'll say. It must have been terrible for that cat in the tree

wow... awesome.

#11 especially...

Greetings

GiWY - Google is watching you
http://giwy.wordpress.com

Great photos. So sad. So many lives changed over night. Evidence of the expenditure of an unimaginable amount of energy. Al Gore should focus his magic talent on just eliminating hurricanes insted of controlling the temperature of the universe.

No comments... but too much emotions!!! ITs not WAR, but its terrible! How people can think about fight, if there are sp much problems without it!
I see only one FIGHT - with nature.... to stay ALIVE!!!

Let us pray.... that Almighty God has mercy on all the victims of the flood, that they turn their hearts to Him and thank Him for their lives. It is with these prayers on their knees asking for forgiveness of their sins that will turn their situations around. All disasters are realized because of the sins of mankind, and until people of the world understand this and stop their sinful ways of life, disasters like these will continue. To verify this, all one has to do is look to the Old Testament.....God does not "do this to mankind" but "allows" this so that mankind will come back to Him. When abortion and homosexuality (main sins of America) are abolished, the hurricanes and flooding will cease. BTW, there is no such thing as The Rapture. God is always with his people and allows them to suffer so that they purify their souls. He doesn't take them away from it as the Rapturites will lead you to believe. But God is coming is a substantial way....look to the prophecies and see that all is being fulfilled as we speak.

I don't think anyone needs to argue about which state handles the hurricanes better or who sufferd the worst damage. I cannot image what any hurricane victim has to go through. I can't imagine what the families of the 9-11 victimes have to go through. Remember just 7 years ago when we came together as a nation when the towers fell? One nation, under God. It doesn't matter which state was hit the worst by which hurricane...

The important thing is that we all come together and help each other out. How can we stand up as a country when our own states are arguing?? If that happens and we are the "most powerful country" then who will save us if we can't save ourselves?

God bless anyone who has to go through ANY type of tragedy. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

How horrible!!
We are so lucky it did not hit us in Florida!

IMPRESIONANTES.

I live in San Antonio, TX and although we were fortunate enough not to get the damage, we were one of the main evacuation centers in TX.
I work as a nurse in a rehab/nursing home and we had BUSES of evacuees pulling up all weekend. They were loaded up on buses with just the clothes on their back and no personal items.
Its easy to lose your compassion in this business but when tragic events like this happen it makes you realize why you became a nurse . Im blessed. We still have more than 700 pets in our shelters waiting to go home. So tragic.

omg. i cant beleive wat happened. the football field under water.

Our Prayers go to all the people affected by Ike

Just a mess..i live in Slidell La.....If the good Lord willing i will be out of here for the next storm season..

I feel for all of those people that had to go thru this...i am praying that God will help each one of them to recover...

We are truly blessed and we praise God Almighty all the day long.
After looking at these pictures.......I think why not me?
God is speaking......are we listening, I heard a word from God.
We need to get it right and do what the word of God say do.
Jesus came to save us from our sins and to give us eternal life.
Time is of essence, we are living in the last days, are you prepared?
Confess your sins today, believe in your heart today that Jesus died for you and
rose from the dead, winning the victory of death. Accept him as your Lord and Saviour. Live the life of victory according to the word of God. May God bless you.
The devil, satan is roaring like a lion seeking whom he may devour. Please Pray.

SIMPLY GORGOUS PIX!!!!

Yet we dont hear any cries of racism or blaming the government etc;

Amazing what the difference is!

WELCOME TO AMERICA

IMY PRAYERS AND BEST WISHES FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY, UNFORTUNATELY I BELIVE WETHER TRENDS WILL BE GETTING WORSE AS THE YEARS COME. PLEASE CHECK OUT DECEMBER 21, 2012.AND PLEASE
PRAY FOR US ALL.

Yesterday, among the evacuees in Austin, Texas, was a little boy from Beaumont, who aside from falling and cutting open his head at the grocery store here, had been vomitting since their ordeal of running from Hurricane Ike. I'm just grateful for their arrival in Austin and the family who received them. There are always so many others adverse effects, especially on the children, from these tragedies. God speed the recovery, emotional and physical, of all the people and earth devastated of late.

After Andrew in 1992 people should understand that in this world of so many that don't have faith given to us by the grace of GOD thru salvation, we are all sinners and without being saved we will remain selfish. Let us all stand shoulder to shoulder not eye to eye and we can change this world around by God's hand thy will be done. Stop talking about this and let''s put our words into action and make a difference. GOD BLESS EVERYONE

#80 - Don't you understand that if we don't protect our country from terrorists, NOTHING else will even matter!!! Not the economy, not the manufactured global warming lie, not lack of energy sources - NOTHING!! You are sadly mistaken if you don't think that 9-11 can't happen again - pray that it won't be where you live!!
I pray to GOD that this country wakes up and realizes just how good we have it.

My heart goes out to the people of our great state of TEXAS!! We will survive Ike and we will help each other. That's how we are!

e
Every once and awhile mother nature let's the human race know just how small we really are. These pictures show just that.

e are.

To me the contrast between #4 and #5 hit me the most. When all of your material things are swept away, we are all on the same level...

Don`t mess with the nature otherwise you`ll have to face it`s anger(nice photographs),
GOD BLESS ALL.

Isn't it amazing how you didn't hear anything about looting like New Orleans but you did hear about people helping one another and sharing what little they had left. The difference between human beings and animals...

Houston is home....And will rebuild...And Texas Pride has everything to do with it!
Remember Alicia? We got this Man...And Yes Photos are very graphic and I cried at the last photo!.....God Bless this Mess

Rich Texans with their fancy-pants vacation homes....antithesis of 9th ward NOLA.

...but hey, at least Dubya's not against sending hurricanes to his home state.

Storms and tempest are all part of living here on earth. Lets just be grateful that the number of casualties were down and that most of the people with any sense got out in time. It is hart breaking to see the damage done, but it can and will be replaced, waiting for the next one. I hope that the people give the coast back to the open spacers, and move their habitats further inland. I did, I moved 250 miles inland and put a mountain range between my home and family, and the coast. We have not been flooded out since.

Wow, moving very powerful pictures

I can´t bealive it... It´s amazing...

These photos compel us to "think" and "feel" and no matter what our beliefs are, we should show compassion to what NATURE can do ~ as we are all exposed to her beauty and her fury.. and I feel sad that we lost some of our great beauty.

God's Grace is sufficient. I pray for each and every family that is suffering and has lost love ones. I say a special prayer for those that do not know God. It could have been me. We never know what may happen to us the next second. Don't let this moment pass you by. I beg you to accept God as your personal savior, he promised us everlasting life. I dare you to try him, if you don't like him, give him back and someone else will receive him!

P.S. NOW IS THE TIME, DON"T WAIT, IT MIGHT BE TO LATE!

It is truly a difficult time for everyone in the areas shown. It is really a difficult time for all of us because we are all touched by this in some way. we are a strong nation and we will survive this tragedy as well as the other ones. please, we all have to believe in each other and know that we are STRONG when we work together.

Wow. Just horrible.

Excellent photographs.

I have roamed that cemetery a million times.... walked those beaches.... fell in love on Galveston Island...

But, they survived Alicia and will survive this monster too. What doesn't kill you just makes you stronger and I am a firm believer in that. You can bet I will return to the island as much as I can to spend money and do my part to help in the effort to rebuild and breathe strong life back into my little Texas paradise.

God bless all of us! I live here in Austin my husband left me and our four children to volunteer at a hospital thru Ike in Houston he is a bio med and he was needed more there then here. It is not about being from here nor there it is about being man and loving and depending on each other thru good times and thru the worst of times we sometimes need to blame people for things and have a hard time of moving on but the past is the the past move on get over it learn embrace your fellow man teach our children better and give them more knowledge then what we have. God Bless!

Looking at these pictures makes you:
#1 Feel sad for the people who LOST their homes
#2 Feel BLESSED for your home.

I've been trough several hurricanes living in Bahamas and have learned when it's time to go anywhere else but in the track of one. It's not my time yet if I can help it. My sincere sympathy to those who have been affected by this tragedy.

The pictures are great and it saddens me to see all the destruction and the thought of people hurting. Gob bless them all!

I can not understand why all the slashing of words to all other states, all have been through alot of bad times with Mother Nature. All that engery that is uned to bad mouth other states could be put to praising God that you are alive to re-build,your state. If we can not say something good why say it at all. My Prays go out to all and may God bless you and keep you strong to face what is ahead of you.

To whom every captured all these amazing pictures. Thank you. No one really knows the devastation of all of these areas until someone brings it to the light. I sure hope everyone has made it through Ike safely.

What a tragedy. The photos really captured the magnitude of this storm. My prayers are with everyone in Texas and Louisiana. I am embarrassed by the few who are so callous and feel the need to vent their political views. They are two kinds of people in this world: those who see a challenge and take action and then there are those who see a challenge and need to place blame and complain about it. Which one do you choose to be today?

Wow. Just wow.

I love the comment of #169. Let me translate: "I want to kill you, you stupid sh*t tube for not believing what I believe." Now there is the true Christian spirit. Extremists of any stripe are equally dangerous.

Our Prayers go out to everyone, this crisis has affected each and everyone one of us in some way shape or form. This storm and the up coming elections are either going to unite us or further divide us. We are God's children and reaching out to one person, a community, or an entire state in need is our duty according to the Bible. If we can't help other then in pray, so be it.

Incredible pictures. I think this really proves that George Bush hates white people, too.

I pray that God will come to the aid of the people and animals suffering from "IKE"

Photo 4
Please remember the people of Haiti in your prayers. They have nothing, food prices continue to rise, and now they have been through another storm.

What bothers me is wondering how the people in those caskets will be identified and placed back in their final resting places. How awful for the families of these people who are still living and having to deal with this along with everything else.
God Bless each and every one of them. (Great pictures for the history books).

IF THIS KIND OF TRADEDY DOES NOT TELL US THAT OLD MOTHER EARTH IS GOING THROUGH SOME MAJOR CHANGES THEN I DO NOT KNOW WHAT ELSE TO SAY..LISTEN UP PEOPLE THESE ARE END TIMES AND WE NEED TO GET RIGHT WITH WHOM EVER WE BELIEVE TO BE OUR HIGHER POWER BECAUSE WE ARE GETTING CLOSE TO THE FINAL DAYS HERE.

Terrible! Isn't that picture of Hollywood Community Cemetery, the same cemetery where Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown is/was buried? I had heard his coffin was missing from the vault?

AMAZING PICTURES.....MY HEART GOES OUT TO ALL. THE PICTURES OF THE CASKETS -- LOOKS LIKE A MOVIE SCENE -- AND THE FOOTBALL FIELD...SO UNREAL..........ONCE AGAIN AMAZING PICTURES.

As a resident of Pawleys Island SC but on the mainland where I can see the ocean and marshes, I dread the possibility of a hurricane like Ike hitting South Carolina after seeing the devastation shown by these pictures.

It's amazing the force of nature. Being a recent midwest flood victum, my blessing go out to everyone.

Our heart felt sorrow is extended to the all of the affected folks of this terrible disaster. We all tend to take our normal lives for granted and have a hard time imaging all of the turmoil and heart break is is occurring in the hurrican aftermath/

God Bless America and keep the faith 'cause better times are in sight!

TJT

Wow,
it is a shame that there is not more media coverage on the devastation witnessed in these photos. For the person that posted the need for water, never even thought of that.

Lots of people bashing people in these postings. What a shame. Everyone should be working together. I will do my part and donate to the Red Cross as I have done with the past disasters.

My thoughts are with the victims as they try to rebuild their lives.
Peace out from Toronto, Canada.

MY prayers go out to those people and animals and all the rescuers trying to help the people that DID NOT listen when they told to evacuate! You can clean up debris, and replace belongings, and pictures, you can't bring back the dead..

To comment #248--Hello.......President Bush does not create hurricanes--it's a nature thing--it's not political--get a clue buddy!

It is a real reality check to see the images above--thanks to those who take them and those who share with the rest of us.

these photographs are awesome and beautiful in their own right.....i worked in downtown Houston in the 80s and can just imagine the damage.....i now live in tennessee's tornado alley and my town has been devastated several times in the last decade... these photographs are a testament to the fact that we are visitors here on this planet....survival of the fittest and the like....

my heart goes out to the people in these areas. it's ignorant to ask why they live there.....i live here and i'm not leaving despite the danger mother nature hovers over us...it used to just be in the spring...now it's year round....we pull together, we clean up, we tend to our neighbors...and we start over. i can honestly say that i prefer the threat of tornadoes over the threat of a hurricane.

My prayers up here in Canada across from Niagara Falls, NY, go out to all the people hurt or suffering because of Hurricane Ike.

I pray for all the people affected. If this ever happened to me or my property, I know I will never recover, as I live from paycheck to paycheck. I thank God that my house is "still" in high ground here in Chicago. And I would discourage anyone to live in coastal areas or in low-lying areas susceptible to flooding.

Wow! These pictures are incredible. I think the little bit of news I saw DID make it sound this catestrophic, I don't understand some of these comments. You don't hear the pathetic pleas from Texas because they aren't looking for someone to blame (ie GW Bush). they realize it's not anyone's fault. They know how to take care of things - notice we didn't hear from the flood victims in Iowa either. Most people know how to pull themselves up and people are more likely to reach out and help these folks then the whiners that refused to leave Katrina's path and made unrealistic, selfish demands and wanted to do nothing more then blame others for where they were. I think the character of different parts of the country have been REALLY well displayed the past few years. Personally, I'd contribute more to people like this then the people that didn't want to leave, thumbed their nose at orders to, then blamed the government because of their own stupidity. Yes, the dynamics of the situation are different because NOLA is in a bowl - how much intelligence does it REALLY take to realize that's a foolish place to move? I agree with the folks that said the Insurance underwriters should make some changes, we should stop rebuilding in places that are likely to be devestated, however I'd rather see this rebuilt then NOLA - perhaps if the NOLA folks were forced to find a new place to live some might also find gainful employment and start to find a little self respect and purpose in this world. Perhaps that was a wakeup call from God about the quality of life our welfare system is creating and we should start to take notice and stop growing that type of lifestyle. It seems the NOLA folks that relocated to my state have accomplished little, they are at the freeway entrances holding signs begging for help STILL because they were displaced by Katrina. I've been down, I've been homeless, guess what folks, you do a lot better when you actually put a little effort into getting yourself out and ask God to guide your path along the way. Those two together can really change your life.

I think the character of Texans has been really showing through in all of this and because of that I know our local churches will be sending lots of aid and helping where they can - we take care of each other and help each other - when we're also willing to help ourselves things go so much better. Get over the Katrina stuff already, I can't believe all the comments here about that one. Let those people go back to their bowl and cry about nobody taking care of them and being totally defensless victims - which they really are, they're victims of the political machine that created the welfare state to begin with. They don't even know how to pull themselves up and move on.

Courtney comment #102

Don't hate yourself. Your decision to take exception with a Texan praising other Texans show your self loathing and hatred of your own people, assuming you are not a transplant to Austin. I'm sure the entire world, and everything that happens in it gets filtered through your simple, axiomatic, reductive-thinking "brain" to find fault with all of western civilization for anything bad that happens in the world. You are obviously a Blame America first, next blame europeans, always blame Western Civilization type

Goodbye, Boliver, Gilchrist, Crystral Beach. Cathy, Fred, Lynette, Barefoot - - the Sharkey's crowd.. hope you all got out in time. I hope Cindy's memorial we planted survived. Back to clean up here. Sad.

I should be ashamed of myself.

OMG - DEVASTATING!!
My thoughts and prayers go to all those who were devastated by "Ike"

God bless

i know this is act of nature and some people specialy democrats blame the president for everything happening to the mighty nations. some of them just want some money from the government. that's why they do not evacaute. they think us hard working people , has to supports them . if they don not leave after they been warn about this huricane. they should not get any help at all. i do not feel sorry for them. because i am a tax payer, and my tax money goes to those people. i don't mine to help , if they are not hopeless.

relamente sorpendente.. no habia estado al tanto de lo que ocurrio .. sabía pero no imaginé tanta destrucción-- ... duele el echo de verlo..

Dito #263.

My prayers are with those who had to endure this, and my hands are available to assist.

In All Things Give Thanks; for this is the will of God concerning you.

We all need to come together and pray for all of them. We are all brothers and sisters after all.

feel bad and scared....

I'd love to know the story behind the house in No. 11.
Why is it left standing? Dumb luck or did the builder have a different set of standards and higher-grade materials?

Also, here in the Great Lakes Region, we were inconvenienced over the weekend with heavy rain that flooded our streets and basements from two major storms, the second being the remnants of Ike. I cannot even begin to imagine how much worse it was in the Gulf Region with the brunt of Ike. I wouldn't trade my misfortune for yours ever.

But it would be interesting to see photos of Ike's swath all the way up to Michigan. Northwest Indiana got hit real hard on Sunday by Ike. Lots and lots of flooding.

Soy una española,y acabo de ver las terribles imagenes del huracan,y me siento sobrecogida de ver tanta desolacion.yo vivi,un poco del "catrina"pues me cogio en,Atlanta. La verdad,es que todos los años America vive varios huracanes,y eso tiene que ser una impotencia,al no poder hacer nada,contra los elementos.Un fuerte abrazo para tantas personas afectadas. Chiqui

#59 You have no idea how much damage has been done more then fifty miles from the coast!

When you live at a beach community on the east coast at 5 feet above sea level, an event like this certainly gets your attention! Incredible!

To the women in Austin and Nebraska whose husbands left home to help in this crisis, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all. Volunteers continue to come to places like New Orleans because they have seen the magnitude of the problem of rebuilding lives in such devastated areas and their good hearts compel them to help.

They -- and their families -- represent America to me, not the few smug, hateful and ignorant posters here who think they, by their own imagined merits, are somehow above tragedy.

To those who visit the French Quarter and care about New Orleans, be generous with all those minimum wage people who make your stay pleasant -- many of them are among the people who couldn't evacuate.

May God be with all that went through this terrible disaster!! I hope all will come together and help each other out in this time of need. God bless to all!!!!!

How dare the comment say that Katrina victims were whiners - THEY WERE POOR PEOPLE. THESE FOLKS HERE WERE RICH. THEY HAD THE RESOURCES TO "PULL" THEMSELVES OUT... HAD THESE FOLKS HAD THE ECONOMIC STATUS THAT THE FOLKS WHO LIVED IN NEW ORLEANS AND THE FOLKS IN NEW ORLEANS HAD THESE FOLKS ECONOMIC STATUS THEY WOULD HAVE PULLED THEMSELVES OUT TOO. ALSO, THE FED GOV WAS ALREADY THERE FOR THESE FOLKS IT TOOK DAYS BEFORE THESE FOLKS FOUND ANY RELIEF. HOW DARE YOU COMPARE ONE TO ANOTHER. THEY ARE BOTH DEVASTING AND INSTEAD OF PITTING ONE ANOTHER WE NEED TO BE PRAYING FOR THESE FOLKS IN TEXAS BECAUSE THEY LOST THEIR HOMES and everything in it. we need to pull together as a people! We all are part of the US and it could have been YOUR city or Your House or Your praents under water.

To those who wonder why we rebuild in such a risky climate. Love of the sea, long history, hope for the future and plain ol' money. Not always necessarily in that order. Galveston is an historic old city, once the largest in the state. The land is worth alot of money and people don't want to let go of land that may be their only major asset, so they rebuild. Sometimes the structures are less than adequate because that is all some people or businesses can afford. Most folks in Texas, including many who lost homes, would agree that those who live in such risky areas need to accept their losses and the government should not bear their burden, but at the same time they will defend their right to rebuild on their own land if they want to. Most businesses won't even take a government loan. The Galveston population is resilient and will rebuild. Lessons learned? Hopefully steel, stone and cement will be used instead of wood and shingles wherever possible.

The builder of the house in #11 should get some repeat business now.
Awesome pictures.

a picture is worth a thousand words.

Harrowing photos. Thank you for posting them. Since no one has said it - Global warming - come on, we can overcome this!

Thanks for this amazing look into this tragic event..... http://www.BJNArt.com

I traveled to Galveston many times as a child and an adult as my uncle had a cabin in Port Arthur so we ferried across, but we always went through the main part of town. As an adult we stayed in a motel and walked across to enjoy the beach. The pictures placed a whole in the heart and a sick pain in the gut. Every picture depicts a horror that no one wants to see or feel. Still, I can vividly see families shopping at the gift shops, people riding bicycles on the sidewalks and of course, people attending church in that massive ,beautiful structure. I felt fear when I saw the pictures. I thank God that in Omaha Ne. we do not experience such massive destruction .. Galveston was always a family treasure.

I'm from Louisiana. To everyone who has stated, "I just don't undertand how those people can live in those communities..." I live in Southwest Louisiana and will not/cannot leave because I was born, raised, and educated here. My entire extended family is here. I absolutely cannot leave and raise my children away from my family because of hurricane season. I've evacuated from my home only 3 times in my entire 40 years, and we suffered damages to our home only once out of those 3 times. You know what? I just don't understand how people who do not live here can be so judgmental about my decision to remain where I was born and raised and to refuse to leave my voluminous extended family and search for employment and schools in an unknown and unfamiliar place. Furthermore, do not lump all of Louisiana together. I realize that people has problems with NOLA evacuees - Southwest Louisiana did as well, at least until Rita hit and completely demolished Cameron Parish and caused severe damage to much of our area. But you did not hear anyone from SW LA on the news complaining or whining for assistance - we got up and took care of business ourselves. As a matter of fact, I'm not sure anyone ever even realized that Hurricane Rita hit us, much less the extent of the damage it left behind.

Here Here E R, and Chris H, and Rob C. Bravo. We are sick of the Katrina VICTIMS. This is about Texas and what Ike did, not Katrina. We have had those people slammed down our throats for over 3 years and we are sick of it. We also had herds of them brought to Dallas only for them to steal out cars, demand that we treat them differently, spit in our faces, buy big screen TV's instead of food for their kids, rape our young women, and burglarize our stores. Oh yeah, we rallied to help them and this is the thanks we got. They don't want jobs, they want us to provide for them. There are a few that buckled down and got jobs and have truely tried to make a life here but you don't hear about them, you hear about these losers that have their hand out expecting....no demanding we fill them. We would like to load them up and ship them back to the hell hole they came from on land they squated on to begin with. They say we are doing nothing to help them. We can't until the levee is repaired STUPID.
As far as we Texans go, we ARE a proud people. We have deep pockets and help with every single effort that comes our way yet we do NOT have our hand out for others to help us. We welcome it, if it shows up but we do not ask for it. We work and we work hard. We do not complain, we just get the job done with the help of family and friends. Bravo to those who see it. Dallas, Houston and other big cities did their part to help those losers and other gracious people that never did ask for it. Is it a surprise that we do not ask? No. We do NOT want to be compared to people from NOLA. We are nothing like that. We know it was an act of God and we also heed the wakeup calls, did they? No. All we have heard is complaining and demanding more and more and more. We gave money, clothes, and cars to the cause with no gratitude.
We Texans are a great bunch of folks. We thank all that want to help us and we know how to show you that we are grateful. We knew it was coming and of course sure didn't know it was going to be that bad but we are ready and united to do what we have to do. I can also tell you this, you won't hear about us on the news. You won't hear how proud we are and how hard we worked because that does not sell papers or create ratings. But we are here and we will rebuild.
Thanks to everyone that cares and is helping in any way that they can.
Also, one more thing. I work for a local utility and never in my life have I heard such ungrateful people as those from Louisiana and we have had them all. They demanded that WE pay for all of their expenses and spoke to us with such distain, like we had tails. It was pathetic.
That was just the losers. Not all were like that. I even helped a few get jobs with people I knew and they worked hard and earned their way. Most were products of the system, that is correct. I am proud of the folks that did try and did not have their hands out as they strolled out of WalMart with a big screen TV and a FEMA card that paid for it along with their vouchers for rent.
THANK YOU to all of you that are helping us though!!! We do appreciate you so very deeply and we hope we make you proud, because we are a proud people that are like ER said....not afraid to get our hands dirty! All of gratitude.

man

We can only imagine what these people are going through right now. What would you do??? Where do you start??? Please considering donating some of your time or money to these people. The American Red Cross is in desperate need of donations. Think about starting a campaign in your workplace or your city to raise money for food or basic needs. Texans are proud people. They probably wouldn't ask for help in most cases. But, if it is offered I am sure they would take it.

@170:

The reason the homes are built with wood mainly is because if they were built with brick and cement, then you cannot keep them on stilts. The weight would be far too much. And quite frankly, bricks and cement wont help a big storm surge. Your house up high will. Newer construction can handle a good amount of surge, and wind (I believe up to high Cat-3). Here is a picture showing aftermath of newer construction homes. Still destructive, but no where near the scale of Gilchrest. http://ngs.woc.noaa.gov/storms/ike/geo-C25882125.jpg

Most of those homes in pic #11 were older construction (Gilchrest area was nearly all older construction). Homes built then are lower quality than those built today. I would be willing to bet that the one home that survived was likely built recently.

MAY GOD BLESS ALL THAT WERE AFFECTED BY THIS STORM.
WE WILL SURVIVE!!! GOD BLESS THE USA!

My family and friends in Brooklyn, NY, count your blessings. We are truely blessed. I pray for all those who have been afffected by Ike.

It is so hard to comprehend something that bad happening when you just see it on TV, but to have friends that have lost their homes and see the looks on their faces is hard to bear. Regrettably as horrid as those pictures are, we have not yet seen all the devastation on the south end of Galveston Island. Thanks for the Pictures

AWE #18, that poor little kitty!!!!!

To #24 comment: There were hurricanes in the Carribean long before global warming unless you want to consider global warming commencing since the last Ice Age. You just bought into Al Gore's B.S. You and the other sheep will just follow.
Research the science rather than believing what you are fed.

Just a reminder of what, as humans we create, Mother nature can take away in a heart beat.
Our hearts go out to all in the path of the storm!!

Shame on TV and other forms of media to not cover events like this so that everyone knows how bad things are. Instead they capitolize on rapes, robberies, killings and car accidents. I'd rather see the damage done and how the people involved are reacting to their surroundings. I still believe that there are some people who can and will 'help themselves" and not just cry for help. I believe that "the best helping hands are at the end of your arms" and that's what I've had to use when things were going bad for me. We really can't count on government to step in, they really don't ever get the full picture and many of them could care less if you lost everything you owned. It doesn't affect them-so why bother? Hope that between good helping hands, (your own and others) that most of these tradgic happenings will get resolved. We know it won't be done quickly, and when we think we have everything taken care of, another storm rolls in and the picture is a replay. I prayed so hard for these folks...prayers help, no matter what you say or think. God in his way, helps those who help themselves.....enough said.

All you can do is pray for the victims involved.

These pictures tell Goverments that they are paying 100 times the bill for not using clean resourses, Mother Nature is just giving back a bit of what we all have done to her. Stop poison our planet!!!

God bless each one effected by this horrendous storm. My heart and prayers go out to all of you.

Comment 91 - Now for your English lesson - the correct word woud be their not there.. as for anyone else who has there (substitute their) doubts.

Now for a lesson on God. I was involved in a horrible accident in 1979 and died - guess what ? God does exist!! I have personal experience - I went to heaven for a short time.

I pray you will open your heart to God's amazing love. You may not believe in Him but he believes in you! He waits for you with open arms. John 3:16

My prayers go out to all the people who are in need and to those assisting.

Claudia - Austin, TX

Wow. Amazing. Sad. My heart goes out to those affected

I don't want to read some comments here as some of them had awful things to say. So I stopped reading. I had ancestors from LA. as well as from the Carolina's. They came to Texas to settle. I live near the coast(Brazoria County in Texas) and we got lucky to not get the devastation that those over in Galveston and east of there have received. My sister in law had a home on Crystal Beach. I understand those who do not wish to leave. Stay...but know that you should be prepared for whatever happens. We did. We left but we can go back. We lost our home earlier this year to a fire that some kids had caused. So we lost everything there. We weren't there so we are ok. It hurts to lose things....but not like losing our lives. So turn the self pity into a positive thing. Everyone should do to help others. We never know when we need help and the shoe is on the other foot. I am glad we have had help in the past and I don't feel the need to hesitate to help others. It is a shame that there are some who get assistance and abuse it. Chalk it up to no self respect and lack of education. Thanks go out to all of the power guys, rescuers, those who patrol the areas, clean up crews...they have worked long and hard. The news people have tried to keep everyone updated ....not easy. But let's not be harsh on each other....it doesn't accomplish anything. Thank you to the folks here on this site that are posting the pictures from this and for showing that you all care also. We appreciate it.

Very powerful pictures. Good Job showing what others would not.

P.S. I want to hire the contractor who built the house in the 11th photo. That is truely a well built, hurricane proof house. Hardly a shingle is missing!

This looks like a repeat of Katrina! The photos remind me of the devastation of the MS Gulf Coast after Katrina. The news media would lead you to believe that New Orleans had the only damage, when actually their damage was done when the levies broke. If you want to see what devastation looks like come to the Gulf Coast of MS. Katrina cleared two to three blocks back from the coastline and on every bayou and canal. We are rebuilding our lives while maintaining a quiet dignity. The people of the Texas coastline will do the same. Americans are strong and determined. With God's help and faith based groups sharing in the work their lives will be put back together. It takes time but it will be done!

What is it going to take for us to all realize that God is trying to tell us something? Thank God for the mercy He has given us. We should all turn to Him now and repent for our sins. I pray that God restores all that has been taken from those affected by the hurricane. May God bless those affected, and those who lost loved ones. My prayers go out to all of you! God Bless!

Regarding why the beach houses aren't made with brick instead of wood: A lot of it depends on what the soil conditions are as well - if you're on soft, movable soil like a floodplain, you do NOT want a brick house, when the soil shifts over time the house basically falls apart. And there's no easy way to fix that either - you just end up with cracks that get bigger and bigger and bigger. Compunding the problem is how HEAVY brick houses are, that puts added strain on foundations.

No 11 picture reminded me of a similar sight after the Kelowna, BC forest fire in 1993. How one house could remain standing when the only evidence of the surrounding homes was their driveway.
It is wonderful to see the pray and support for the families.

@ 39:

Let us not forget that people choose to live BELOW sea-level. Blame it on a failure of infrastructure if you want, but they still put themselves in that situation. And, people are still moving back.

"Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it."

in reply to the person who blames this on global warming you should really learn your history. In 1900 a cat 4 hurricane hit Galveston tx and killed between 6000 and 12000 people the deadliest natural disasture to date, the second deadliest was 1928 the okeechobee huricane killing 2500 people. Hurricanes have been devistating the globe since long before man started putting things in the atmosphere so find another forum to spew your ignorance about global warming.

Just a reminder - Hurricane Katrina did not devastate New Orleans (as photo 1's caption implies). Katrina devestated the Mississippi Gulf Coast, parts of Alabama and parts of Louisiana. What devastated New Orleans was flooding caused by the the weak levee system that needed to be fixed. I've seen the images shown in all of these same photos first hand - not from a camera - as I traveled around my hometown and surrounding communities in Pascagoua, Biloxi, Gulfport and Bay St. Louis in Mississippi. We are still rebuilding. My heart goes out to our neighbors in Texas. We understand.

OH WOW!!!! What heartbreaking pictures. I can not imagine what all of those poor people are going through. It's just heartbreaking. I am praying for all of them.
God Bless everyone effected by hurricane Ike, all of the wonderful caring resue workers, and anyone who lends a helping hand to a person or animal in need.
God Love'em. Amen.

I live approximately 8 hrs from Galveston in East Texas and we are still not recovered from Ike, there are still thousands of people without water and power, this was a huge storm and the way you people bicker and fight over some past storm and want to compare damage is rediculous, parts of Texas are in a huge cry for help... My husband happens to be one of the lucky ones who gets to go into the aftermath and see first hand all of those "photos" that you all get to see... and he is there now... I get to look at these here at home and hope that he stays safe there and go to bed at night alone with only a small phone call or text messages, while people hold grudges on who helped who.....some people are heartless and it goes to show the ones of us that do care that it really takes all kinds of people to make a world

Peu de mots peuvent décrire ce que nous voyons.
Toutes mes pensées aux sinistrés.

All our best wishes to the affected families.

Montreal, QC Canada

Global warming is not the culprit here. Hurricanes of this magnitude have been pummeling the south TX coast for centuries. The people are simply suffering the fate caused by their choice to live in hurricane country.

I live in California... no hurricanes, but we do have devastating earthquakes... they happen. So do hurricanes in south TX.

Let's not make too big a deal out of "all the suffering" unless we ALSO make a big deal out of the suffering we, as a society and nation, are meting out to the rest of the world with our greedy, shortsighted, and unGodly ways.

No residential buildings permitted one mile in from coastline: problem solved.
Lives and property protected. End of story.

To Commenter No. 299: You seem to omitt the fact that the vast majority of the people in New Orleans you refered to as poor from Katrina are poor because they don't want to work and depend on social programs from washington to give them their monthly hand outs. I guess being poor gives them the right to destroy every shelter they went to during and after the Katrina storm. Most stayed in New Orleans because they wanted to so they could rob and steel from the ones that did leave including the business places. A school from central Louisiana sent 30 school busses to evacuate them from the super dome but they refused to get on because the busses were not air conditioned so they came back empty .They wanted the big air conditioned coaches. I guess being poor also allowes them to spit at and cuss out people who vollunteered to help at shelters because they were not prompt enough or gave them enough to suit their selfish self or were handing out sandwiches that they threw in the garbage because they wanted a hot meal or steak. You are probably from a northen state and not aware of the situation from the New Orleans area. Next time New Orleans gets hit why don't you come on down and vollunteer to help at one of these shelters and then go back and write your story about the poor verses the rich. Sure, some are old and/or sick or disabled and need help and most of these are grateful for what they received. It's the able bodied strong men and women who refuse to work and wait for their welfare, free medical, housing, foodstamps and are the first in line to get their Fema checks when disaster hits. Some are 3rd and forth generation welfare recipitants. You didn't hear any of this from the southwest Louisiana or Texas folks when they were hit just as hard or even worse when Rita came ashore and I suspect you won't hear much complaining from them again this time. You evidently watch too much CNN and CBS news. Just about everywhere these refugees went during Katrina, they don't ever want them back. Sooo... Next time maybe, we can send them to your place.

Cheers to #52!!
#33 will do good to remember when you point your finger at someone..there are two more pointing back at you!
May God bless us all!! I refuse to put my faith in Scientists...God has a plan for them also.

These are unbelievable pictures. Hopefully the death toll will not rise too much when all the rubble is removed. My prayers go out to all the wonderful people of Texas, Louisiana, Missouri, etc. who were affected by this powerful storm. God bless you all.

I used to live here, 20 plus years. I've been through many , many hurricanes while I was living in League City, just right next to Seabrook. The damage wasnt this bad. I went to college in Galveston. My 23 year old son still lives in Houston and
my ex husband and his new wife still live in League City in the same house I used to call home. I wondered what happened to them. My son is ok, still no power in his apartment. He is back to work though and his school , U of H re opens tomorrow Sept 17. The day after the hurricane landed, he did not have food for a day, no cash, no gas, he was not prepared. He finally had to que for long lines of obtaining gas. He got food from whatever food shop is open. He will be more prepared next time, Im sure he learned his lesson. He does not remember what we went through with the many hurricanes that battered Galveston while growing up.

Unblieveble pictures.Mother nature is trying to teach us that we have to take better care of her. I sincerly hope that the tragedy is taken seriously.Sincerly Sili

WOW!!!!!!!

I am fortunate to live where I do. You always here about damage done all over the world. But this time, it was too close to home. How scary. This was the first time I even had to prepare for the possible of a major storm. After Katrina, I thought I saw it all, boy was I wrong. God Bless to all those in need.

I have to say I am so angry right now. I am from LA and not from NOLA either but the other part of LA taht is sometimes affected by Hurricanes. I am proud and DO NOT live off of welfare never have and God willing never will have the need. I hate that the whole world thinks LA is a miserable state. My neighbors who have lost everything, you will never see with thier hand out. They are so proud they wont even apply for the disaster food stamps. DO not assume we are all the same good ppl it makes .. well you know what out of all of us and rihgt now I feel like one. Feel free to email me at byubelle98@yahoo.com

PROUD CAJUN that would help any TXn including my dear daughter and ex husband

God be with them and bless them all.

What devastation!! A good demonstration of natures force and might. I am also amazes me that some idiot people blame it on Global Warming, Remember Galveston in the early 1900's

God Bless everyone who has been effective by hurricane Ike.....

I am a Christian. I believe in God. I do not believe that if we all "straighten up & fly right" that the Lord will abolish Mother Nature to again unleash her wrath on any parts of this world, not just America. There is no war between Texas & Louisiana. WTF? Just because there were some "bad" folks arising from Katrina, doesn't mean there needs to be "bad" folks arising from Ike. How old are you people? For God's sake, human & animal lives were lost again. It's not about who helped who or who didn't help enough. Maybe you should take your aggressive & hateful thoughts & apply some of your frustrations to helping your fellow Americans during this tragedy. Name calling doesn't solve anything - it only makes the hatred worse. White, black, brown or yellow, Texans or Louisianans - we all bleed the same. We all are responsible for our own actions. We all (believers) will answer for our sins when God is ready for us to come home. I don't think my God is more favorable to any one race than the other. I think we're all His children & more than likely, He gets frustrated when we treat each other like we do. But I don't think he brought Ike to spank the folks in Galveston for not acting right. If that were the case, I'd be getting my butt spanked all day, every day. Come on people. remember that we're all Americans living in the best county in the world. I pray for all those that were affected by Ike. I can't imagine not being able to go to my home. I can't imagine being without electricity for that long. How alone they must feel. How I hurt for each & every one of my fellow Americans. God bless you all (even you atheists). :-)

those pictures will bring tears to your eyes. i feel so sorry for all tht had to endure anything like that.but god will be with you all you have to do is have faith. he does,nt put anything on us that we can,t bear.god bless each and everyone of you. i'm keeping you in my prayers

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

I have no words. Mother nature is devastating. I feel so sorry for all those people. We felt a little of the storm in East Texas, but nothing like all this. So sad!

incredible. unreal. sad. really sad.

its the frequency and power of these hurricanes and other weather anomalies, #328; global warming increases volatility and occurences of storm systems and energy stored in the water; you can't compare the number of people killed a century apart due to vast improvements with infrastructure, early warning detection systems, etc. which affect body counts and dollar amounts of damage.

Oh My God - My heart goes out to

My wife and I regularly spend vacation on the Boliver Pennisula at Crystal Bearch and if all makes us sick. I certainly hope all the friends we have made over the years there are safe and sound. What a tragedy.
I also wonder about the long term economic impact not only to the Texas gulfcoast, but the the U.S. as a whole.

"Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able?
Then he is not omnipotent.

Is he able, but not willing?
Then he is malevolent.

Is he both able and willing?
Then whence cometh evil?

Is he neither able nor willing?
Then why call him God?"
-Epicurus

It is strange given all we know about the science of extreme weather that it is attributed to some unknowable, yet completely unquestioned hand of God. Perhaps it is much harder to accept that these things happen without regard to our best and worst intentions, because these tragedies seem meaningless without some shred of hope that we can avoid them if we simply behave in accordance with divine law. But storms do not care about your personal morals, what church you attend, or who you are voting for in the upcoming election. They are a product of natural causes just as the aide these folks receive will be a product of our own natural collective intervention. We can squabble on the particulars of our respective beliefs (or non-beliefs), or we can follow the words of the famous skeptic and philosopher Bertrand Russell who said, "The only thing that will redeem mankind is cooperation.”

I pray for all those people affected by Ike, may God have mercy on them and give them releif from their suffering.

My husband and I live in North Houston. We will be joining Habitat for Humanity because Galveston will re-build!!

Amazing pictures

Some videos from my neighborhood can be found here.

www.youtube.com/rpwhite

I live in Florida so I know what everyone is going through and it really sucks. Hopefully the government provides an adequate amount of help and relief so that people can get there lives back to normal. My first hurrican was Ivan, and I thought it would be fun to stay and go through it. Bad mistake I was so scared come 1 am that I thougth we might die. Never again will I be so stupid. When they tell you to get out get out its for your own good. For those who stay you should think about your family first. Hope everyone in TX gets their lives back quickly.

Alright children, enough bickering. We ALL have the right to our own opinion. We should respect that. Remember this is America and we are ALL Americans.

Come on group hug!

I know each of us can do something to help, even if it is just a kind word.

Michele in Texas

GOD BLESS UNITED STATES!

may God be with us all...

OH MY!!!!! I love the great state of Texas and honestly feel for everyone down there that has lost something and is going through this in one way or another. My heart goes out to you!!! God Bless!

I CANNOT IMAGINE WHAT THOSE PEOPLE FELT. WE LIVE ON THE EAST COAST OF NORTH CAROLINA. IT IS ABOUT 40 MILE INLAND (NEW BERN N.C.) OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH EVER ONE. I WAS STATION AT LACKLAND AFB IN TX. WE WATCH THE WEATHER CHANNEL ALL THE TIME. IF YOU LIVE NEAR WATER IT IS A GREAT IDEA TO FOLLOW THE LOCAL NEW WEATHER PEOPLE ON WHAT YOU SHOULD DO . IF THEY SAY MOVE PLEASE MOVE . CMSGT JOHNNIE LOFTIN(RET)

Saw this type of destruction when Katrina took my son's home in Slidell, LA. 3 years ago and the area still isn't completly rebuilt. My heart goes out to these people.

I can't go home yet, but I am one of the lucky ones who still has a home to go to. This storm was devastating and some of the things that people are saying on here are so hurtful. I don't live on the beach, but houses close to mine were destroyed; trees down, roofs off, windows blown out and horrible flooding. Lives have been changed over night and the only thing that these people who stayed behind and are without food, water, air conditioning deserve is our prayers and help.

Benead,
Don't worry about your English. Your sympathy and emotions were perfectly clear. Thank you.

I cannot think of any words to say. My heart goes out to everyone.

wow these photos should touch the lves of every living soul no matter how you act through out life just think how those people are feeling now we all should say a prayer

GOD bless them with a full recovery.

3 Hurricanes since 1973 were enough for me...glad my family moved out of Houston.....

i HAD NO IDEA THAT IT COULD BE THIS BAD UNTIL I SAW THE PHOTOS. AFTER SEEING KATRINA I THOUGHT IT WAS HORRIBLE, NOW THIS, ONLY 3 YEARS LATER. MY HEART GOES OUT FOR ALL WHO HAVE HAD TO PERSEVERE. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.

WOW!!! How ignorant are you people? Do you all sit around and wonder why the people of the East Coast and the West Coast build houses on the beach? Do you sit around and call them stupid? I live on the outskirts of Houston in a town on the west side. We frequent Galveston and the surrounding areas as everyone in this area does. It is a great vacation and recreation area. It holds so much history and some of these buildings have been there since well before the big hurricane of 1900. If you were here to see what we have been seeing over and over again on the TV, you all would realize that this was not normal. The houses in Gilchrist, on Bolivar and Chrystal Beach among all the others have survived many hurricanes. The massive size and power of this hurricane took everyone by surprise. You are only seeing the devastation closest to the coast. There are houses that have been ruined much farther inland as well. I cannot believe how this seems to be turning into a complete political event. There are people helping people here and we all make sure that we are helping our neighbors. We have asked for assistance, it is just too slow for what we need now. There are people starving and living in ruined homes or shelters and these were not people that were told to evacuate. These were people that were asked to remain at home and shelter in place with at least a 3 day supply of food and water. Most took those warnings and stocked up on what they could, some are starting to run out and stores are crazy right now. Some have long lines and are only letting in 10 or so people at a time. Most of the city is without power. In fact, even my home is without power and this is the first time I have been on a computer since last Thursday and it angers me to see some of the responses to our problem. No one expected this storm to bring the punch that it did. We took on Alicia in 1983 and walked away in much better shape and that was a Category 3. This was a Category 2. Some may blame global warming but all of us who have made Houston and the surrounding areas our home say it’s a bunch of BS, it would have happened eventually. We were due for our big storm after 25 years. We watch you all get snowed into your houses in the north, wild fires, mud slides and earthquakes ruin lives in California, tornados rip apart other parts of the U.S. You never hear us calling you stupid for living where you do. We all take a chance with a natural disaster by just living. Some just choose to live their life to the fullest where they are the happiest and if that’s the beach, then it’s their choice. We all take chances every day. The people who lived along the coast have been there for years without problems. I hope all these places rebuild. The standards for these houses are stricter than before. If you actually saw what was going on here, you would see that some of the newer homes are still standing. Yes, they are damaged but they are also still there. You see what the media wants you to see. You don’t see how our local politicians have reacted and what warnings were given to us prior to the hurricane. Most everyone in low lying areas of the coast were told to evacuate. Some went and others chose to stay because previous experiences led them to believe they would be safe. If we had waited around for the rest of the country to come to our aide, more people would be added to the death toll. Our area was as prepared as they could be and have handled the situation very well. I hope you all remember that when you face a natural disaster in your area. I hope you see that you have to help yourself before others will help you. Texas is wonderful place to call home and Houston, though not the prettiest city in the world is a great place to live, full of great people and diversity, and we will overcome this challenge and our lives will be normal again. You can’t compare Ike to Katrina. They are two different storms that hit two totally different landscapes with different economics and abilities. The difference is we were as prepared as you can be. Nothing like this can happen and there not be devastation and loss of life. You people have to remember that it wasn’t only the coastal areas that were destroyed but that there is destruction in places that were not even concerned with this storm because they thought they were far enough away from the coast to be out of harms way. I could rant on all day about our situation, but just keep in mind that until you live here and you experience it, you have no idea what it is like to live through one of these storms. The creaks and moans of your home, the non-stop howl of 100 mph winds, sideways rain, debris slamming into your house for hours at a time, hearing fences and trees snap and hit other structures…it’s not something anyone ever wants to go through. So you can all sit there and criticize us but you are all correct in one thing. Texas has a pride that no other state has. We can make it through this and we will prevail, rebuild and move on with our lives without dwelling on this one catastrophic event forever. It will not govern the way we live and we will not milk for everything its worth for the next few years. Of course, there are some without that Texas pride that will do just that but remember, this is a great Republican state and many of us believe in helping ourselves!

Jesus.....

wooah!! Excellent set of photographs to remind everyone of the power of mother nature.

Makes me thankful to live in a country that doesn't have such extreme weather conditions.

sad.

http://www.ayudacytotec.com

The photos are great, but so much devastation. My heart and prays go out to all those people.

My husband is part of a crew of tree trimmers that is on site to help with restoring the electric and when he talks to me about the devastation in Texas I can only cry.

May God be with every person that has had to deal with devastation of this nature.

muy buenas fotos..........tristes momentos

Has anyone heard about the residents of Texas City. I have heard and seen photos of surrounding communities, but nothing of Texas City.

For the record and to the idiot that posted "you people still deny global warming". GLOBAL WARMING HAD ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS !!!!!!!!! They had one worse in 1900.

wow..that horse is just chill'n drinking water...

Geez! The image from ISS.. it's amazing to see what mother nature can do.

Have lived in Freeport,Texas my whole life (57 years). Parents came to Freeport in 1938. This was the first storm my family left, only because a Cat 4 was forcast.
I thank God ,our town ,for the most part was spared. And I pray for my friends in Galveston and further up.

Unbeliveable! I just didn't realize how terrible the storm was. My thoughts and prayers go out for the people in the stricken areas who suffered loses.

God bless each and everyone of you affected by these tragedies. People all over the world are praying for you (and even your beautiful animals) . But please try to stay strong and know that you can overcome whatever is thrown your way because GOD said He will never give you more than you can carry. Right now your load is extremely heavy but, you can and will carry it through. I and many millions of others will continue praying for all of you. God bless you and be with you always.

My heart reaches out to each one of the individuals effected. May peace come into their lives.

Life is so precious and tomorrow can change in the blink of an eye. Ceased the moment to reflect on your family and love ones.

I have not been able to quit thinking about the people in South Texas from the moment I saw e-mails 12:00 noon on Friday of photos of what the waves were doing to the seawall and all I could think was "Ike is going to do some major damage just like Katrina". I couldn't keep my eyes off the T.V all weekend.
My hats go off to the Red Cross, volunteer groups, citites from all over Texas who are headed down to help. when I saw the news and the Fort Worth mayor Moncrief was giving last orders to his men, I got goose bumps and couldn't help but cry....
I am fortunate to live in such a wonderful state who are pulling together in this time of need to our fellow neighbors of the south.
I'm trying to get registered with Red Cross to go help in a couple of weeks, I have time off and I want to go help where I can......
God bless everyone who has been affected by Ike and god bless the the people who are pulling together!!!

And I havn't heard ONE Texan say it's the governments fault - we understand that when we live in harms way, sometimes things happen out of everyones control. We in Texas thank you for your Prayers & thoughts. May GOD bless all yall !

My heart goes out to all and the many families of those that are affected by these horrific tragedies. God be with you all.

As a residential designer here in North Central Florida, I was amazed to see the two homes left standing. There are two designers, engineers and contractors that will be searched out for ability to build a hurrican proof home. We try hard to specify the proper anchors, etc, but here is proof.

Just goes to show that building codes do matter

Íà ýòîò ðàç îïÿòü íå ñîâñåì õîðîøî ïðèöåëèëèñü. Îæèäàëîñü áîëüøåãî...

For all of you commenting on how the people in Galveston and other areas hit by Hurricane Ike are "Rich".....WTF??? Galveston and some of the other areas are some of the poorest in Southeast Texas. Yes, many people have vacation homes there but many also live there year round. Had you been there or here to Houston for that matter before the storm you would see that we have rich and poor. Funny thing is, ever since Katrina, the poor far seem to outweigh the rich! Unfortunately, with poor comes crime and the down fall of our neighborhoods! Good luck to all in my home town of Houston! We will get back to normal and we will rebuild and help Galveston recover!

Our Lutheran Church from a small town in Wisconsin has now sent five different groups ranging from 5 to 45 to the Gulf Coast to assist in restoring people's lives after Katrina and rita. I also know of several other near by churches that have also made the trip south. I'm sure assistance will be forth coming from this area.

After our 100 year flood in June our area received much help from the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief for which everyone is grateful. Some of hese people came from Texas and Mississippi.

It disturbs to read all the postings with negative comments about things the people who suffered most from Katrina, Rita and Ike could not control. Lets everyone give their support to all of the Gulf Coast and keep them in our thoughts and prayers.

#58 Patrick in Paris

thank you, good soul. merci, bonne âme!

This is a time for kind words and actions, not one upmanship. New Orleans is a beautiful place with special people. Galveston knew it was going to get hit again one day. Houston is way to big a target not to get slammed every now and again.
The macho attitude makes me cringe to say I am from Texas.

For every one of you who say they would never build on a beach, there is someone out there saying they would never live with the tornadoes, the fidgid cold, the droughts, the floods, or the earthquakes.

We live where we live. For every bad aspect there is a good to counterbalance.

How do you deal with this? I can't imagine how people survive such devastation. I live in the UK and my friend sent me the pictures and I was absolutely stunned by the damage, etc. Good luck to all who were hit by this terrible storm and to the people who helped them.

Hoping that the affected area will be recocovered soon.

VERY POWERFUL PHOTOS!! THE ONES OF THE CEMETERY ARE CHILLING!!!

I want to know where the horse is in picture one??? And where the cat is on picture 18. Where is all the animals that need rescuing or temporary homes?

They say a picture speaks a thousand words. these will remain in my memory forever...

Having moved from Tulsa to Houston, and currently live and work in Houston and have had many opportunities to work in Louisiana--There is no doubt that Texans, Louisianans and Oklahomans are some of the most hard-working, generous, caring and forgiving folks on the planet. Ike was another storm that the folks in SE Texas faced just like they do all other challenges--with their chins up and hands ready to work and help their neighbors. This is not unusual for folks from the south and the Heartland. We do help and care for our neighbors and families--call it pride, love, caring--call it what you will, but we get the job done and don't whine and complain to other entities to wipe our noses and send more money.
The negative experiences from NOLA were horrible, however, I'm certain we only heard about the bad ones. I know there was, and still are, good people in Louisiana.
What many Americans voiced objections to were those in NOLA that refused to help themselves, complained about the assistance given, and continued to complain that not enough was done. And we don't want to hear about them not being able to help themselves because they were poor. Be poor is not being helpless. I came from a poor family that worked very hard and made the best of what we had.
I do believe the majority of the population in New Orleans are good people, we just heard about the bad ones. AS for the bad ones--we should have let them drown.

Oh yeah, Global warming causing hurricances--As soon as Santa and the Easter Bunny confirm this--Send me an e-mail.

I am so saddened to see all this destruction. Poor people loosing it all! These states have to review and raise their building standards. People must not go thru this again! Build in cement and if u want to build in wood then use other standards (maybe the ones the builder of the house on photo 11 used) cause obviously the ones you have now don't work! I'm heart broken, please let us know how can we help. :(

#96....you can't be serious....how ridiculous to think that BUSH is responsible for ALL disasters. To all the victims of hurricane Gustav and hurricane Ike, GODSPEED!

Compartilho meus sentimentos com as pessoas atingidas nesse desastre. Observo, porém, de uns anos para cá, que essas ocorrências vêm ocorrendo com mais intensidade.
Tudo isso não seria uma resposta da natureza com o que fazemos diariamente nesse planeta?

It is amazing to me, after seeing all of the photos, only a few deaths. So very sorry for all the familys involved. So very BLESSED..... We all are to be safe in our homes here . in Alabama. I hope that their lives are restored, somewhat, very soon. Thanks to all the workers out there who are helping. God Bless and keep them safe!.

God Bless the state of Texas.

My sympathy goes out to every family that was affected by hurricane Ike, words can not express the hurt and pain that i feel for these families. I pray that everyone be bless and safe. I know times are hard but God is good. Don't give up!!!!!!!!

To #169 AMEN!

Everyone around the world should be praying for you! We love you all and feel your pain.

We are our brothers' keeper. Let's get to work!

wow....it's terrible... Russia with you - remember it. Not politic - just frendship. Hold On !

I live in louisiana lived in Texas before that. There is good and bad on both sides. trash is trash. lets not argue about who did what lets just all get in there and help people. its god bless AMERICAN.

I was stunned by the images, and hope that no one would have to experience such disaster again. I believe that constructors should definitely reconsider the way the houses and buildings are build in such area's.

My heart goes out to everyone that this has effected. May God be with you all. Take care of each other. You are all in my heart and my prayers.

Incredible photos depicting the power of nature and the reality of how life can change so rapidly. It's unfortunately that it usually takes a tragedy like this to make us realize how fragile life really is and how important our family, friends, and neighbors are to us.

May God bless all that have survived and all those helping restore life to those who have lost it!

Well #11 says it all. This is why you "run from the water, hide from the wind." I've lived on the central Gulf Coast for 50 years. To anyone ever considering staying on a barrier island, or bay during a hurricane, look at this picture very closely. Then decide what you should do. I pray you choose to leave.

A real flashback to Rita, not really Katrina, that was actually a very different event in New Orleans, the lowest socio-economic strata of the City was left behind for CNN & Fox headlines, along with the criminal element. Everyone learned something about poor planning after that. The mayors of Houston & Galveston took heed and did their best. I'm appalled that a few moronic people in Texas (well maybe just Chris H) were so quick to speak badly about the natives of LA, but you didn't hear much complaining from the citizens of Cameron and Vermilion both after Rita and now, where the surge returned after .just 3 years
The fact is, Houston received many criminal and state supported "unwanteds" from Katrina as well as many aged and infirm citizens who just had no where to turn, and we are thankful thatTexans are friends to us. I know that most Louisiana residents can sympathize and have welcomed anyone, no matter where they call home. We even can say a prayer for those who, in their ignorance, hate blindly.

I'm tired of all the belly aching!
I live in Montegut La. We were devestated by Gustav and Flooded by Ike. So what!
We live in these areas knowing dam good and well that we are at risk of these disasters!
This is not the first hurricane to ever hit our coasts!!
Come on people! Cry a little let it out, get whatever you can from your govt. Because you know it's your money anyway (taxes remember) and rebuild wherever you want. Just remember you're at risk anywhere for disasters to happen. Lets shake it off take care of our kids, make it as painless as possible for them and get back to enjoying the good life. Yes it won't be easy, but we're grown-up, we can take it. And hey if you can lend a hand, help a neighbor. And chances are he or she will rebuild right next to you againg. Learn from this. Don't wait for a hand out. Go and get what's yours even if you have to fight for it, but you people are the only ones who can make it happen. don't keep blaming others because you're the one who is too lazy ! That's all I have to say for now except God bless everyone!

#1 was unreal with that horse grazing in the waters. The cauffines was something else as well. Those are great pics taken

I live in Texas,City,Texas. I must say that my family and I are extremely fortunate that we sustained minor damage to our house. Unlike many others who have lost everything. My thoughts and prayers to all. Like it has been said"Texans are a strong bunch and will adapt and overcome.

It seems that with all the destruction why can't we find a way to stop hurricanes.

I was born and raised in Texas lived here all my life and it continually puzzles me why so many people choose to continue to stay in their homes in the face of these devastating killer storms. What is the matter with these folks? Might they live and survive, yes...no doubt ...but why put the resources and lives of our first and secondary responders through life threatening situations when you should/could have left and had mutiple chances to get out safely. I mean is it some type of ploy to get a FEMA check or what is their idiocracy motivation? Property is important to all of us but you can leave with your pictures and memorabilia that matters to you. Pull your head out of the sand and come to your senses. Responders have lives and families why endanger them due to your greed and or stupidity.

Greetings from a survivor from Baytoen/Houston area. We are still without power at home but because we work in katy, which was not hit as bad and has power we are still expected to come to work. These pictures are amazing but only tell a small part of what has happened here. I really dont know how everyone is going to get though this... but unlike what happened with Katrina we'll get out there and make things happen because that is what we do. we will move on and rebuild, one house at a time.

This is so horrible. Right now my best friend is in Jamaica and I'm scared. I live in Ohio and our power every where is out :(

These pics are so unbelievable.... My heart goes out to each and everyone of them. I am sooooo sorry for the familys that lost there things and loved ones. But i'm very greatful that my niece and sister-in-law and her parents are ok.

My heart goes to the beach front property owners, bay front owners and downtown
houston and surounding areas that was destroyed.
Although this isnt blue water here on the Texas Coast, this is the only get away we have. We appreciate it. Home is home. All the assistants FEMA, Red Cross, National Guard have done a great job in getting supplies to victims that need it. Some people are bashing them for not getting there within 12 hours. Did they not have food for breakfast if Ike didnt hit? Did they not have food already in there pantry for the weekend? They are bashing cause they dont have water or food right then. Stop and look at yourself. The people in Galveston, Bolivar and Gilchrist dont have a home. NOTHING to go back to. Stop complaining and appreciate what you already have. These pictures are devasting.

Amaizing

WOW. I FEEL REAL BAD FOR ALL THE PEOPLE IN MY LATE HUSBANDS STATE
DESERVES ALL THE PRAYERS AND HELP THEY CAN GET.

MY HEART DEFINETLY GOES OUT TO ALL THE PEOPLE WHO GOT HIT WITH HURRICANE IKE.I KNOW PEOPLE DOWN HERE IN CORPUS CHRISTI IS DUE FOR ONE REALLY BAD AND WHEN IT HITS US DOWN HERE WE ARE NOT GOING TO HAVE ANYTHING LEFT.I ALSO HAVE FAMILY UP THERE IN HOUSTON THAT I HAVE NOT TALKED TO AND I REALLY HOPE THAT THEY ARE DOING OK AS WELL.

To everyone who is complaining about why we choose to live in this area: this is an oil rich area, that is located in perfect position on the coast for shipping to the rest of world. We have to live somewhere close to where we work. So unless you ungratefull, incompassionate people want your gas to go up to $15 per gallon we need to get this area (houston, port arthur, orange, beaumont, tx city, baytown, etc) back up and online.

Pray for the families and Friends..

I cannnot express how sad I am for the folks that reside in the area of 'Ikes' path. We in Scotland complain about the weather, but really we have nothing to complain about

What to know what to do DONATE BLOOD! Some one need it and you have it to give.

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in these areas. I hope someone was able to rescue the horse and kitty in the tree. It is amazing they survived. Great pictures - but terrible devastation.

#96 are you insane or just ignorant to suggest the President caused a natural disaster? My prayers are with all who are dealing with this tragedy.

It's relly strange hearing others tell me what i went through during this storm. Never saw a single news outlet reporting my area. This is the first time I saw pictures of what happened. Everyone was really wanting news of where ice could be found so we could conserve what little food we already have. The media was concentrated at Galveston, and downtown Houston. Our governor promissed the city with ice prior to the storm, instead, smaller surrounding counties had both ice and food distrubuted. So, it is our city, state, and national governments which is the real tragedy here. the storm is not over. Just like Louisiana, the wealthy who control are governments, will take advantage of this crisis to make it too exspensive for the average person to move back.

We should all be ashamed that our concentration is on the wind, and rain here. We should be looking with a watchful eye, and vocal our outrage from our public servants. You would think that our cities would have a good plan for how to handle the before, during, and after-math of such disasters. When we leave our faith to our governments, and even God; we will always be disapointed. It is up to us, individually to be civil and design a plan.

It has been brought up that if you live on the side of a valcano, you will one day exsperience problems. And that others will have to bail you out. This is true. It is the rich with second houses who live next to the beach. They will also rebuild after the storm, and we will use our resources to bail them out again. Their is a reason why older cities were built further from the beaches. This is common sense here. But some refuse to see the obvious, and use lines they hear from others; weather it be from television, friends, or church. If we used our own minds to think, we will then feel more secure from future tragaties.

Now we all see the picture with the oil slicks. and we know what our government's plans are on this issue. So, are we all to turn a blind eye. Or will we learn from this exsperience, and speak out now ?

Tony

I am from Louisiana and have lived in Louisiana all of my life. In my younger years I did have the opportunity to visit our neighbor state Texas, on many occasions. After I was married and had a family of my own, my family and I had to opportunity to vacation in Texas (New Braunfels, San Antonio, Austin) and I am ashamed to admit that I didn't want to go (at the time). All I could think was the crime was so out of control and I was afraid. Was I ever wrong! I have never met such warm, friendly, generous and helpful people in all of my life. The people of the State of Texas have hearts as big as their cowboy hats. That was probably the most enjoyable family vacation that I have ever been on and I would go again and again and again. On Saturday (please keep in mind that the hurricane came through on Friday night and Saturday), I couldn't help but notice on news reports of the hurricane that there were street sweepers on the streets of Houston, already cleaning up. The hurricane wasn't even through the state of Texas and already Texans were busy cleaning up and re-building their lives. I have no doubt that people living in the affected areas will rebuild their homes and their shattered lives at record speed because that is what the people of Texas are made of. There are also many small coastal towns scattered across the gulf coast of Louisiana that were also affected by Hurricane Ike and they too will rebuild. Texans have always helped the people from Louisiana and the people of Louisiana will repay the favor because that's what neighbors do (especially in the south). To those of you not living in hurricane affected areas, please try to refrain from speaking on what people should or should not have done because until you go through this kind of natural disaster, you just don't know of what you speak. To the people of Texas and Louisiana and all other areas affected by Hurricane Ike, I wish you Godspeed and a quick recovery. Keep the faith.

Everyone affected by this storm my heart goes out to you.
This just shows us the mighty power of God. Our prayers are with you all.
Texas is strong and you will regain your strength again… Donations are being accepted here in West Texas for you all… we will help how every we can… Be safe… and hang in there….

See all those pictures made me think about friends i know living in georgia. You are in my prayers everyone. Especially my dear friend kadene Hinds. God is still craddling you and calling you back to him. He is watching and keeping.
We all love you. Come back to us soon.
Love

When I seeing all those pictures made me think about friends I know living in Georgia. You are in my prayers everyone. Especially my dear friend kadene Hinds. God is still craddling you and calling you back to him. He is watching and keeping all the residents in that area as well.
We all love you. Come back to us soon.
Love

May god (or their higher power) be with them and their loved ones at this awful time. Katrina was a great teacher. Because of her, many lives were saved this time!
Brian Smith, Portland, Oregon

Al #53 Have you ever worked a major disaster?

I speak from experience. 6 years as a US Naval Rescue Swimmer including Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Fiery Vigil/Ashpac '91 (the evacuation of Clark AFB, Cubi Point Naval Aair Station, and Subic Bay Naval Base, transit of personnel to the Cebu, Mactan Island temporary evacuee area, and humanitarian assistance in the Philippines, following the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo).

Sometimes the best that you can do is provide someplace dry and safe and some level of basic necessities, IE: Food, water, shelter, clothing. For the displaced residents (Refugees) from New Orleans to expect or feel entitled to more instead of being greatful for the outreach they were receiving is downright disgraceful.

As for those affected by this, my mother being one who lost everything, god bless them all.

The body counts are not in yet and seeing the devastation on Bolivar and Galveston, those counts are going to be a lot higher than the current "around 30". You are going to soon have rescue workers in need of PTSD therapy.

Texas has not asked for help from the Federal Government or other states because Texans do stand independantly and do a very good job of taking care of their own, but assistance has been offered and accepted graciously from other states and organizations. We have our pride be we are not to proud to turn down a helping hand.

Question: What does God have to do with any of this?

FACT: Hurricanes are natural events - they are designed to transfer heat from lower latitudes.

FACT: Peak hurricane season occurs from August through September

FACT: Humans take risks.

...and despite the Katrina's, Rita's, Gustav's, and Ike's....humans will continue to congregate in coastal areas...

but I guess that's their God-given right....correct?

God didn't send this hurricane...just as God doesn't spare individuals who were too stupid to heed the warnings. The only difference between this event and Katrina revolves around mobility - these people could get out under there own power while utilizing their own resources. The people in NOLA couldn't...because they were so dependent upon the government.

Humans have devolved to such a helpless state. These hurricanes reveal one thing for sure - the true side of human nature...loot, rob, and grab for the comforts of our modern world.

...and as we mourn the loss, we crave the devastation.

WHY MUST PEOPLE BELITTLE EACH OTHER IN TIMES OF DESTRUCTION AND HEARTBREAK. WE ARE ONE PEOPLE AND SHOULD LEAVE THE BLAME AND DISCOURTEOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE BACK DOOR AND ALL LEND A HAND INSTEAD. WHAT YOU GIVE AWAY COMES BACK TO YOU TENFOLD. IF YOU CAN'T DO PHYSICALLY OR MONETARILY, DO IN SPIRIT AND PRAY FOR ALL VICTIMS OF EVERY DISASTER WHAT EVER YOUR RELIGIOUS BELIEF AND HOWEVER YOU TALK TO YOUR SUPREME BEING.

GOD BLESS AMERICA, AMEN

After seeing these pictures, it brought so many memories. You see, here in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, we lived through Hurricane Katrina 3 years ago. And our Coast looked just like the one with only one house standing and the rest gone. I feel for each of the people in Texas and Louisiana who have been affected by Ike. We feel your pain. We had no means of communication, nor power nor a place to live.

Really show horrible of Hurricane, i live in Florida, I was hit with 4 time in 2004,but lucky I don't live near or next to ocean, I was in middle of florida but, as pictures show more like every mobile homes and tree uprooted, All mobile homes were awaful destoryed.. I was without power for 7 days, then again 4 days, and 5 days. Bad experiences for me without elecric, heat is unbearable, i took in pool all day.
No food, but eatwhat i have left over ca of , tuna, chicken, spice ham, I eat out of can. Thank God i got bottle waters from one of Church that gave away even ice cubes, By the next weeks after hurricane, all supermarkets open, even gas then by everything were back normal.
At that time We move in from Vermont, and then next 2 weeks, our first experience of hurricane... Bad hurricane, therefore Up in heaven must have bad
colds running,.

Keep these people in your prayers and if there is anything you can do to help out then do it and just be blessed that your ok when the storm hit. God will hear your cries for help and strength.

I am from Holland and as a lowlander we have experience with high waters.
But this........... OMG

And this are only 28 pictures!!!!

To #436 (Sheila):

#96 comment was just simply stating that there has been so many bad things and disaters to happen during Bush's 2 terms... chill out.

God bless the one's who have lost so much.

And, it is true that a picture says a million words... chilling!

About No. 11, the fella asked if it was steel construction. It looks like newer construction and they have stricter standards than the older ones that are gone. It most likely sits about 20 feet up, where the others were 10 to 12 feet. I know, my house was built in the 50's and its gone. Most of that town is gone now.

Having lived through Katrina, my heart goes out to the people in Louisiana and Texas. I would like to set the record straight on hurricane Katrina. Katrina did not destroy New Orleans. Katrina came ashore in Waveland, MS. The levees breaking is what did all the damage in New Orleans.

Such devastation. This photo-journalism truly captured and reminds us all how strong the force of nature is, and how fleeting life can be. Such a delicate balance. May hope, love and healing spring eternal.

To all of you who were being hatefull and ugly, you should really be ashamed of yourself. I think all these people who have lost their homes and personnel belongings would prefer to read a nice and supportive comment or prayer than ugly and hateful words. What if it were you in this situation? That's why this world is becoming more & more hateful because of people like you, especially you atheist people.
God Bless all the people that are in need and have lost everything they had during the Ike hurricane

#437 - I can't believe that you are actually from here. It seems as though you have missed a good portion of what has been going on here since this storm passed through. We were constantly being told where to find ice and other necessities. Did you not listen to the warnings pre-storm? Stock up on things that you would need to survive? I am by no means a rich Texan, but neither were my friends that made their homes in Galveston County. Why is it assumed that all beach houses are owned by the rich? That is so far from the truth. Next time, maybe you ought to listen to the warnings and prepare. You would be much better off like my family. We bagged our own ice and started to keep it days before the storm, just in case. We stocked up on food and other provisions. It's a shame that I have to call you a fellow Texan and that you can't see just how well our local government has responded to this crisis. It is not their responsibility to hand you everything on a silver platter!

The pictures are awesome!! Totally amazing what Mother Nature does to one.. May the strong become stronger and may God lead the weak to the strong for strength. God Bless each and every one that has been affected by these storms.

That one lone yellow house in Gilchrist...my mom used to live right next to it. and the first baptist church of gilchrist was in front of it.

OUTSTANDING PICTURES FOR SUCH A DEVASTATING ACT OF MOTHER NATURE

IT IS WITH GREAT PAIN THAT I SEE THIS PICTURES AND EVEN IF I DON'T HAVE FAMILY IN TEXAS I FELT SO MUCH PAIN THAT I COULD NOT STOP CRYING .

HOPE FOR YOU TO BE STRONG , HOPE THE RESOURCES WE HAVE COME YOUR WAY FAST BUT THE MOST THAT I CAN DO FOR YOU IS PRAY , PRAY FOR THE LORD TO GAVE YOU STRENGHT SO AS A FAMILY ON GOD WE CAN SUPPORT YOU AND KEEP YOU STANDING WE ARE AMERICA WE LOVE YOU AND MOST IMPORTANT GOD JEHOVA LOVES YOU HE DID NOT SEND THIS DESTRUCTION TO YOU, IT WAS THE OPPOSITE BUT OUR FAITH IN JEHOVA WILL MAKE YOU STRONG
HOPE YOU THE BEST AND HERE IN FLORIDA WE HAVE OPEN HANDS AND HEARTS FOR ANYBODY THAT NEEDS HELP
GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU

To the people who keep posting about how one shouldn't live in a certain part of this great country, let me please remind you about what services the Gulf Coast of Texas provides you with. The area between Houston and Orange, TX is the nation's largest concentration of oil refineries and petrochemical plants. Spare me the green bullshit - each of you reading this is a user of everything produced by these workers. The Port of Houston handles the second largest amount of tonnage in the United States, second only to South Louisiana. The number of manned oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico is well over 1,000, and many of those workers live along the TX Gulf Coast. Al Gore may take your SUV or pickup away from you, but we have no intentions of trusting a plug in vehicle to pull a trailer, boat or portable meat smoker here in Texas! So when the next mud slides happen in the Pacific NW and California, or a quake happens in Southern, CA, or an avalanche happens in the Rockies, or a heat wave swoops over the Dakotas and Montana, or a blizzard cripples the North East, or tornados wipe out towns in the central US, or a massive flood wipes out farms along the upper Mississippi...how would you like it if the rest of the country told you that you were just plain stupid to live in an area where natural disasters happen? To those offering your prayers in this time of crisis, we thank you! For those making political jabs or offering Monday morning wisdom, please go politely find a place to F U C K yourself!

My heart goes out to every one who was really effected by IKE. I pray that all the family's make it through these next few weeks, months of hard times. When you see things like this it really makes you open your eyes. Hold on tight to the ones you love and reach out for people who you know need your help. We need to stick together, there are people out there that have really lost everything....the only thing left that some of us may have is our loved ones......God Bless each and every one of us in every way possible.

Devastation abounds with every new tragedy. People's lives are lost, familes are destroyed and heroes are everywhere. If you can't help physically or financially, then pray for these people and their familes.. Yes, Texas will bounce back. It may take years but this is the strength of the American people. We never give up and never will.

My sympathy goes out to everyone affected by this travesty. If they have their family intact, most everything else can be replaced. The only people I don't feel sorry for are the ones who refused to leave. Wasn't it the same as what happend in Louisiana? Nature is nothing to play with. It's not a time to party or hide in the closet or basement until it's over. If you're fortunate enough to have warnings, heed them. Don't put someone else's life in danger because you think you're invincible. Unless you have a death wish, get out! Nothing in your personal belongs is worth your life or anybody elses life either. It's time for the rescue workers to let people know not to call for help if they ignore the warnings to get out.
Dealing with the aftermath of destruction is bad enough without having to look for bodies and rescue stubborn people. Once again, if you have your life, you have everything. Nothing else is more important. Everything else is just stuff. Once you have passed, most of your stuff if not worth anything to anyone else.

You know everyone until you have lived threw a Hurricane, No One, I mean No One understands the devastation. My heart and my Prayers go out to all the people effected. I have lived on the Island and felt the Pain.And still have family down there. Any one and everyone that can send help Please do so. It will be years before they fix Galveston back the way it was, But they will rebuild they will not run and hide. Galveston will be back with all of our help. Remember The Song Oh Galveston, Oh Galveston.

Blaze in Dallas, Texas

Damn the government for not stopping this hurricane...it's almost as if it were a natural disaster or something!

This is one of the nature disaster that does not relate to global warming. Earthwake, hurrican, twister, drought, vocano, snow storm ......come naturally that is not man made, # 24 are totally wrong. Those who does not live in the Hurrican zone could due with different problems. Therefore, who are living in such those areas have to prepare for the worst. I believe, Gaveston beach will be a good resort in the near future.

We hope and PRAY for all the people that was affected by this storm and we want you to know that you will surive. MAY GOD BLESS P 7 J

Haha #454, I am from Houston, TX and I am an athiest. I am not a rude and evil person. In fact I am very giving, loving person. There are very few people in my life that know that I am athiest but those that know do not think any less of me because I am no different that they are. I just don't understand why "god loving" people can't understand that not all of us athiest are horrible. We just don't believe in a higher power like you do. I have a scientific mind. I have to see it to believe it. I can see evolution but I can't see "god". Being a god-loving person, you should be more accepting of others, right? Isn't that something that you all preach? I hate to see the destruction that Ike caused and I am here to help my family, friends and neighbors in any way I can...how am I a bad, hateful person just because I am athiest? You should generalize like that.

What happened to the high-rise condos at the west end of Galveston Island? I've seen nothing about them.
What has happened to the hotels across the road from the seawall? What about the Flagship Hotel?
What about all the mansions along the main road going into Galveston )I can't remember the street name)?

HERE IS THE SITE

Let's see how many countries send aid to us??????

It was almost impossiable to get supplies before the storm. The area I live in had lines of cars around the block, grocery stores had lines formed outside the building. When you do get to the counter, all the items like ice were sold out.

The phones were dead, and no AC. There was no wind to help cool off during the night. The mildew stunk so bad, and there was no way to air it out. The information from neigbors was not accurate. As far as the homes on the beach. they are primarily rich people who either own a home, or rent to others for vacation. In fact the insurance is so high, that the average person could not afford to own. I have lived in houston all my life, and have customers who live in the houses on the beach. in fact, one customer lives next door to George Bush. The beaches use to be public, but over the years the people who own these houses have made the beach private. I use to fish, and camp with family there, no more.

To the man who put down my earlier post of 3437. As far as my humbleness in my reporting. I am a political activist, and would be glad to compare what is in my head to yours. I get RSS feeds from around the world, and have used this information in a possitive manner to get people involved. You dont see me picking on people's posts here. I was trying to add my experience here. The fact remains that we should pay more attention to how our cities plan for such events, and how they will take advantage of the poor afterwards.

Tony

Oh my God. You read about it, you hear about it, you see it on TV but nothing shows like these picture the true picture .. The fear on the face of the cat in the picture.This would have been hell for anyone to go through

When we get to Heaven the will be no more hurricanes. PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just sent a donation to the Red Cross to benefit the victims of this hurricane.
Everyone may want to chip in to help with this disaster...that is if you are able to.
thanks.......... Donate to the Red Cross at redcross.org and you can desigate where your donation goes to help.

My heart goes out to everyone of them who as suffered due to ilk!!!!!

"Nature always has the upper hand" ....
We PRAY for all the people that was affected by this storm...

That is so sad... I could just IMAGINE the devastation for all of those people who had to evacuate and leave only to come back to almost nothing- I understand that life if more important but Im one who knows that starting over is almost impossible .... My condolences for those lost, My prayers for those who survived it, May God Bless and keep everyone impacted by the hurricane(s).

Im so sorry for what everyone has had to endure, it is such a tragedy..We who live in a country,feel lucky, but helpless.
My heart goes out to all who have lost and can only hope they will rebuilt and be stronger.
God Bless you all

Our prayers are with all the communities ravaged by Ike.

"Sorry if it sounds cold-hearted, but it's very hard to feel sorry for people who build houses mere yards from the shoreline in an area infamous for hurricanes. How do they even get insurance? People who knowingly put themselves in harm's way and then put others at risk who have to go rescue them should get scorn and contempt, not praise and sympathy. If they rebuild in the same place, they deserve whatever happens to them next time. And there will be a next time."

Posted by John September 15, 08 04:35 PM"

Well, John the Omniscient, I suppose people choose to "build houses mere yards from the shoreline in an area infamous for hurricanes" for the very same reasons people choose to build in areas "infamous" for earthquakes, wildfires, forest fires, tornadoes, mudslides, blizzards, droughts, and avalanches.

We now know you can offer your self-serving judgment, so what are you doing to HELP those who are 50+ MILES inland?

This is for number 59 above...

My friend just lost his weekend house in Galveston. They are unable to insure them because they are so close to the water. I am not sure if everyone did not have insurance, but the majority of them were unable to get it.

There is nothing left. not even scraps of wood from their home. It was on stilts for the high water days. They knew the risk when their father purchased it many manyyears ago. I feel sorry they lost it, but they are lucky enough that it was only a weekend house that their father used to own. When you look at the pictures of the empty land and debris, understand that most will not collect an money.

I wonder if they will be able to sell the land when all is back to semi normal?

I'll tell you why so many people stayed in their homes in Houston and the surrounding areas, because so many people that did not evacuate during Rita seen that for most of us, the storm was nothing more than just another rainstorm with minimal wind. That's human nature, people evacuate for one and nothing happens, the next time they don't because they remember what they went to before that was unneccessary. I personally did not evacuate and I live in Northeast Houston. The storm was unreal, but all I lost was a 10' section of fence. I was lucky. As far as the negative comments about New Orleans go, yes, we did get some lowlifes delivered into Houston from New Orleans, but we also got some great people as well. It's always a case of taking the bad with the good. New Orleans is an incredible city and a treasure of the South. What most people fail to realize about this storm is it was a Category 2 storm by wind strength, it was a Category 4 storm by storm surge which is what did all the damage to the coast, especially Galveston. A Category 4 storm surge is 13 to 18 feet, parts of Galveston was hit with over 20' storm surges, that's basically a CATEGORY 5 STORM SURGE. I don't care what you build your waterfront home with, a 20' wall of water in a CATEGORY 5 STORM surge is going to take it down. The pictures are incredible and saying so does not make the reader care less about the devastation that occurred. It is after-all the pictures that will be what history uses to remind us of what happened last week, just like it's the pictures of the Galveston in 1900 that remind us of what happened then. Finally, for those that call us stupid because we believe in God, I'd rather believe a God and that there is something for us to look forward to after death and be wrong, than not believe in God and die only to stand before him and find out I was wrong. I am amazed though at how many unbelievers in their deepest and darkest moments always seem to find themselves calling out to the God they spent their whole life saying doesn't exist.

The response of our nation's citizens define what it means to be a proud American! It restores our hope and faith.

Some fascinating reading here.
First, let me say to the good folks in the path of Katrina that were NOT in NOLA, I'm sorry. You people probably received less assistance than anyone in the US after this sort of disaster because of all the ignorant people the news kept showing us that put us off wanting to help. I know there are good people in that disaster still rebuilding and I'm sorry you get lumped in with the negatives from NOLA.

Texas, my heart and prayers go out to you.

I can't comprehend how anyone can talk about global warming, but I've been trying to figure that out for about 20 years now and I guess that those comments just prove what most of us here already know - the media controls what we are allowed to know.

As for the believers offering prayers, can anyone tell me how you can talk about our Father in heaven and "mother nature" in the same entry? There's NO mother nature in any of my Christian Bibles.

I think we are seeing the diffence in character here between TX and NOLA - but let's remember not all of Louisiana is NOLA, good people were affected too - again, the media just wanted to show us the bad for ratings and to try to get us to blame Bush for it all too - HELLO -can ANYONE tell me how this could be the fault of ANY man?? If you really believe Bush is capable of such things as creating a hurricane, you should be too scared to speak about it because think of what he can do to you if his power surpasses God - where do people come up with things like that? Is this a result of serious drug issues or a symbol of our education system? I can't fathom where such outrageously stupid comments can originate.

God bless you Texas and the GOOD folks in Louisiana and Mississippi and Tennessee and all other areas that have suffered major disasters and got back up and kept going. The truth is, the bad folks from NOLA are the product of the welfare system, it's really not their fault, they were taught to be that way. Hand outs like that never help anyone. A helping hand in times of real need is a Godsend, but handouts that breed laziness are never a good idea.

It is funny how the Texans displaced by Ike do not have the entitlement attitude of many from past large hurricanes in nearby states.

Natural disasters can happen any time, any where. It's in the hands of Mother Nature and God as to the severity of it. I am not sure if you can ever be truly "prepared" for any type of natural disaster. All we can do when one occurs is pray for the families that were affected by it’s destruction and do our best to lend a helping hand.

totally insane

To all you folks blaming the oil and water picture on offshore drilling....

There were HUNDREDS of BOATS and YACHTS and CARS and TRUCKS and other vehicles with gasoline on the coast. That's probably where that image came from.

Soooo....unless you DON'T drive a vehicle, you are also part of the "problem" because YOU are a consumer of fuel (that probably came from our refineries) no matter where you are in this country.

Even BICYCLES have oil on the chains.

fantastic pictures ans unbeievable. Sure glad I live in alberta

These pictures took my breath away. May God bless all the victims involved. picture #14 was incredible. i will be praying for all of those people.

My heart goes out to all of you that lost your homes, loved ones and belongings.
My heart is saddened.
As for the very uneducated people posting on here that it's because of Bush and these people shouldn't live here you all need to get a life.
It has absolutely NOTHING to do with President Bush!!!
Have you ever thought we live in such a sinful nation that maybe these are consequences for our actions.
Let's grow up and rememeber that we live in a country that MANY people would die to be able to live here.
It's not perfect, and it never will be, but it's idiots like you making these comments that makes our world so negative!!
We are praying for all of you!
May the Lord be with you and His grace be upon you!

I plan to contribute at a nearby Kroger store some money for this devastating event. My condolences to all that have been affected by this horrific storm. try to keep your chins up - Thank God more lives were not lost but so sorry for the lives that were lost... God bless us all. Much love

I grew up going to Crystal Beach every year, and now I take my family. My heart is broken for all of those families, and everything they have lost.

#467 You must have left town before the storm ... because there WERE NO ATHIEST IN HOUSTON DURING IKE :)

I had no idea ike caused that much damage

poor horse....

Unbelievable imagery...it is almost too surreal to imagine the destruction and devastation that Ike has caused.

I agree with #24...you want proof of global warming, or earth trying to find a balance? Those images are your proof! My heart goes out to all the individuals impacted by such a tragic event.

I have personally worked in two disasters like this while in the military, but the strength and power of the wind and rain I will never believe. God bless all the people who lost loved ones and their homes. You have a great deal of support on it's way for months to come. America stands behind you all.

of all the devastion ive seen in my life this has to be up in the top 10 . and ive seen a lot of sorid scenes . the bible says devastion will cover the earth in the end times . Is this the begining or the end,only GOD knows.
marlene and I just came through Houston 2 days before the diaster .

It's funny, that Ike is very similar to ik, because these photos depict something
close to GASP!!!! There's not a repeatable word that describes the terror those poor victims suffered.
I hope we never experience a prololonged hurricane of Ike's ilk. However, I fear this only the beginning of experiencing an inconvenient truth; and if I didn't play with words, I'd cry. I wish America God's mercy.
Ignacio Vidal

These devastating storms and earthquakes have been happening since earth time began. The best that can be done is taking place after the storms, when help can get there to bring needed water, food, clean up crews, and medical attention from caring people all over our land. Americans are known for their giving. We can all be thankful for that.
The earth has been in constant change since it began million of years ago. The earth cools for thousands of years then warms for an untold amount of years. This earth is not on any time table and is in constant change caused by the internal combustion within the core and the flight path it takes around the sun. It is a good world with many challenges to be met by humans. I believe 98% so their best.
The photos help us know what others are going though so we can help. Thanks go to the photographers that went in to do this work.

We lost everything in Katrina JUST LIKE photo #11 shows. We were on Lakeview Dr (old rat's nest road in Slidell, LA) I wept when I saw MORE devistation there.
I want to say to all who lost everything... Things always happen for a reason... We may not know right off what the reason is but there is a reason... LEARN from it... learn that life, family and God are all that is important on earth. Things are nice BUT... believe me, my family members are the ones that make life sooo worth while.
Photos lost and memories like that hurt when lost forever. but I will say my memory of those pictures come back in vivid color to my mind when certain things happen that remind me. Life goes on... Times are tough... Recovery is slow... Life is worth the time... I will keep you and yours in my prayers... You all will survive, I promise. Gail

Heartfelt sympathy to all who suffered through IKE. He sure was a nasty storm and I believe everyone ahead of me shares my feelings so there is nothing else to say as I can't believe my eyes when I see such photos. I just wonder how these folks can pull up their boot straps and keep going. It must be very difficult.
Bless you all and know the rest of the world suffers with you.

#374--Pissed in Houston~

DITTO!!!

In 1953 there was a tornado that crossed the Mississippi River and hit downtown Vicksburg very bad . It does not compare with New Orleans but it was very diverstating for everyone. We were told that a torbado would not cross a river. Folks from all over came to help. Let us all belive that Mother Nature has no pets and will strike anywhere.

Amen to the comments made at #228.

Between the pix of 9/11, Hurricane Katrina and now Ike, it's hard to realize that this is our America - our country. They look more like a third world country and my deepest sympathies to all the families these events have affected. These pictures are indeed hard to look at, but in their ugliness, there is some beauty.

whether you believe in God or not please show kind consideration to this and all tragedy. When it's your turn for your tragic moment I hope their will be kindness shown to you. Any small or large help given I know will be greatfully appreciated.

To #380 and all others who say global warming had no part in this...Really? How many other enormous natural disasters in the year 1900? Were there also earthquakes big enough that they killed 100's of thousands of people or Tsunami's that wiped countries and killed the same amounts of people or Tornados as strong and as frequent as they are today? Seriously? How can you deny that this earth was NOT designed to withstand what we've done to it? What...so do you believe we can build, build, build and and create pollution forever? Is that what you would suggest? You probably believe the Ice Age didn't happen either. It's sad to see something like this happen, but the truth is, these natural disasters are getting stronger and more frequent by the year.

We live in South Dakota and have had some terrible ice storms in the past years causing many homes,farms and businesses to be without power in below zero temperatures for weeks on end. Other states rushed in to help get poles and lines back up and we appreciated all the help we could get. Now it is time for other states to help out in the hurricane-ravaged regions. We do not think you are stupid for living where you do because we live in South Dakota for the same reasons. May
you be able to rebuild and finish out your lives with the help of God and our country. Such graphic photos break my heart.

Great picture coverage. The damage is far more then most people sees on the news. Anyone who refuses to evacuate when a major storm is coming, have no one to blame but themselves if they get stranded. Wake UP People ! and listen to what is going on, and even if it ended up being a small storm, then be thankful. Don't be like so many people in New Orleans that refused to leave and got upset when they werent helped fast enough. They were told in plenty of time to leave, but refused. If I lived in places near the ocean and below sea level, I would get out even if I had to ride a bicyle to leave, legs were made for walking and those that can't walk can be helped, so don't put the blame on any else. Texas did a great job evacuating people and the people in Texas at least listened, some didnt but most did and that is why we didnt see a large number of people stranded. We can blame one another for what happened when Katrina hit, but most of the problem was that people wouldnot leave, and hearing they had no way, well that too is an excuse, the evacuation may have been done poorly, but everybody had time to get out of town or at least to higher ground. Now is the time to work with each other and get things back to as normal as they can be. Our prays are with everyone.

Shame on those of you who spend your energy pointing fingers at others, blaming the current administration, and saying "serves you right".to those whose lives have been effected by this NATURAL disaster. God forbid you should ever have to encounter such devastation. Hopefully, people will be kind and sympathetic to your plight, rather than negative and smug.
To all of those who suffered from Ike, from Cuba to Texas to Ohio and beyond, you will be in my thoughts and prayers. I will spend my energy trying to help, either with donations or my time.
BTW, the photos were unbeleivable. Thank you for posting them!

GOD BLESS OUR COUNTRY OUR GOVERMENT ITS OFFICIALS THE VOLEENTEERS THE PEOPLE HOW HAVE BEEN AND ARE NOW AFFECTED BY THIS STORM AND ALL THE OTHERS THIS YEAR BECAUSE WE KNOW THEIR PAIN WE ARE AMERICANS ..PROUD ..STRONG...GIVING ...LOVING AND JUST THIS LIKE ANY OTHER SHOULD BRING US TOGETHER TO BE ONE NATION UNDER GOD I PRAY BAND TOGETHER AND REACH OUT TO YOUR NEIGBORS

Wow. Nature is amazing. All of those affected are in my prayers and thoughts.

,,,,,We live in San Antonio. TX...We were very fortunate, lucky and thankful. All we got is a slight rain...Someone UP THERE likes us..

OK, is it Dec. 12 or Dec 21 that we're supposed to be waiting for?

I'll bet the person that owns that single house that stands alone amidst all the debree.......... knows how to pray!

Unbelievable pictures. Number 15 was the one that really got to me. And #18 - after all the devastation, there is still survival.

PICTURES GREAT AND REALLY FEEL SORRY FOR THOSE WHO HAD TO GO THROUGH THIS AND LOST A GREAT DEAL AS WELL.

GLAD I DON'T LIVE IN THAT AREA BECAUSE AT MY AGE AND SPEED GETTING AROUND I WOULD NEVER HAVE MADE IT.

WE SHOULD ALL BE PRAYING FOR EVERYONE EFFECTED AND THANK GOD MANY ARE SAFE AT LBEAST.

I just want to add that I am so proud to be both a Texan, and a Houstonian. Every person that I have seen has taken the devastation and risen to the occassion. There are genuinely good people who care about helping others more than helping themselves. Praise God for His grace and mercy and for helping us through this disaster.

God bless all who is suffering from this tragic hurricane & may he comfort all those who has lost a love one.

Hurricanes show no partiality. I live 130 miles from the Gulf Coast in Alabama and hurricane Ivan in 2004 almost destroyed my house. Even as far north as I was from the gulf, I was told to evacuate and believe me I did. How much better to be safe than sorry!

#56 It's a shame you have to try to belittle people and their beliefs through the internet while the tragedy and destruction of these storms are the real issues. Helping people is the task at hand; putting them down to push your agenda with an 'imagined diety' is not. This is not about you.....

#460--clinging to our guns and religion~

Yep, darn right.

Now that I've read my daily Bible verses, I gotta go clean my gun. Very bitter about that.

God bless the USA, and God bless Texas.

I'll bet the person that owns that single house that stands alone amidst all the debree.......... knows how to pray!

I give thanks in knowing that through Christ we can overcome all!

Lots of sympathy here for the Texans. Anybody feel anything for the Haitians? An already poor country suffers devastating loss of life and property and not a word of sympathy. Are we really so insular in our thinking that we don't give a toss about anything outside of our own borders? These pictures bring it all to the conscious level of our thinking.

got culture shock. whoa!!!!

Seeing these pictures is like reliving what we dealt with during and after Hurricane Ivan. Kudos to those who have commented that it does not matter where you live in this country; there will always be acts of nature we must endure. And when and if it happens to you in your part of the USA, may you have folks come to assist you in your time of need. I know there are many from the panhandle of Florida who have left to go and assist people in Texas and Louisiana. They came to help us and it is our turn to help them. Such destruction is so difficult to view but for those in the midst of it all, I wish them the very best in getting their lives back together.

sorry for what i saw .

These pics are unreal just to look at. May God be with all of the people that this affected.

@ Leslie in # 468:
the Flagship hotel is still pretty much in tact, they lost the ramp to the pier on which it's built and as small section of wall is gone, but the 3 pier establishments to the east are total history, inc. the Balinese Room that had a 79 year existence with Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope performing along with a lot of other huge stars...
I THINK the hotels on the Seawall fared so-so; don't know of anything about the mansions on Broadway; try Chron-dot-com, their coverage has been good

I still don't have power, but I'm WAY better off than the Bolivar people and the Galveston residents who from what the Houston Chronicle reports will (maybe) lose 1/2 their tax base

I go and vacation on Bolivar but can't imagine I will ever again looking at the # 11 shot , I have my doubts that the Bolivar communities can bounce back from this; the state may / will not re-do Hwy 87, what with the Gulf too close a neighbor and another good tropical storm or hurricane will wipe out what's left... Dang, if I feel bad about losing this how do the poor people who were living there feel?

Man thinks that one day he can control Mother Nature. If these beautiful but terrible photos don't tell these men with there vision of doing such a thing, then I wonder what will.

No one but the people that live there could ever imagine how they must feel. God Bless each and every person that suffered through this devistation. My prayers are with them all. We who did not experience the wrath of hurricane IKE do not realize just how fortunate we are.

It is always interesting to hear people say, "This could not happen to me because I don't live in those places, etc." Disasters happen everywhere and they can happen to any of us. Everyone in a comfortable, dry home tonight should get on his or her knees and say thanks -- this could have happened to me. And all of us as Americans should rush to help anyone in this country in trouble. And give freely to the Salvation Army. In my experience with flooding, they were the first and last on the scene -- without constant appeals for more and more money!!!

So now when you hear that it is time to evacuate....will you?

It is truly amazing what nature can do. We don't understand why...it just happens.
We as a country are in a crisis with our financial and natural disasters. I have been to Viet Nam in 1968..was a Navy Hospitalcorpsman with marines. I Witnessed suffering and death...I suffered....but I'd go back there again before I'd face Katrina or Ike.....

These pictures sadden me. I know the wrath of hurricanes very well from experiences in the Caribbean and Florida. I love the generousity of the American people and know you'll pull thru' this. My prayers are with you all.
May God bless and protect you.
Mackie in London, UK

So pitiful. May God Bless these presious people. May it lead people to Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior. May God have mercy on these. We need to keep them in our prayers.

I am in tears. I live in Houston and have been without power since Friday at 11pm. Thankfully my church brought us a generator yesterday and we were able to find some gas to run it. These are some of the first pictures I've seen and I just can't believe it. We haven't seen the same news footage as others because we were without power. I am just in tears.

THIS IS THE MOST HEART BREAKING PICTURE'S I HAVE EVER SEEN...WE AS A NATION NEED TO PULL TOGETHER AND WE NEED TO PRAY THAT THE LORD HEAL US..THE ONLY WAY TO GET THREW SOME THING LIKE THIS IS WITH ALOT OF PRAYER AND WITH THE HAND OF GOD.MY HEART GOES OUT TO ALL THOSE FAMILIES AFFECTED BY THIS STORM AND ALL THEIR FAMILIES. AND ALL THE OTHER HARDSHIPS EFFECTING THIS WORLD. MAY GOD BE WITH US ALL!!!!!!!!!!
I WILL LIFT YOU ALL UP IN PRAYER !!
GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE OF US.

Wow...sad.

The caskets are scary! I feel bad for the people whose houses are gone, or relatives lives are gone.

God bless you all.

my prayer to all

OMG!!! Wow to the pix. With the standing house, and all the other little broken things around it, WHOA! Thank you SOOOOO much for posting these pictures. These are beyond beyond. Everyone, I will pray for you!!!!

P.S. Thank you again!!!!!!

First of all, God blesses, protects, comforts and restores lives for all who seek Him. This tragedy is only one of many from our past and sure to be in our future.
For those who compare the affects of Katrina or for those who judge the actions of the people who are still rebuilding their lives in New Orleans from the most catastrophic storm EVER to hit the United States to this event, God Bless you! I guarantee that Hurricane Ike's damage will be fixed and the lives of those affected will be restored quicker through the help of our Federal Government for the Great State of Texas. Thank God and all of the Federal and State Legislatures who realize the importance of this Great State. One will only wonder why the City of New Orleans will still be trying to rebuild, when South Texas is back on their feet.
Please visit the devastated areas of New Orleans, 3 years later, anytime you like and understand my frustration. I just hope that the politically powerful and financially stable northern states start realizing the importance of the Southern States and their importance to it's ecomonic stability through oil - gas - ports - seafood and farm products.

#11 seems to have affected everyone. The man who built that house has built other homes in Crystal Beach. Has 5 completed right now and all of them survived the hurricane. Unfortunately, my family bought one that he didn't build, only refurbished and lived in for many years. It was going to be our family beach house to make family memories.

You might find it interesting that when we talked to him today and asked him about the yellow house in the photo, he said that he built it nineteen feet above the ground. Guess that tells you how high the storm surge was. And for those of you who aren't familiar with storm surge, it was flooding neighborhoods about 18 hours before Ike made landfall. Crystal Beach will come back, but I'm not sure that we will rebuild there. Thanks to all of you who have expressed concern for the many families who have lost homes, businesses, friends, pets and the community they loved!

I am a native Texan who has lived all over the US and recently returned to Austin for good.

My brother and sister were born in Galveston, my dad, grandfather and great-uncle all went to med school at UTMB and I spent countless hours and days on the beach with friends from preschool through high school and college.

Five weeks ago, we took our six year old on his third Galveston trip and I'm sure that vacation home is gone.

This city is in my blood and these pictures have finally allowed the tears to flow. It's a good city and this devastation just breaks my heart.

Shame on those of you who would mock these people. I am a yellow-dog Democrat, as are much of Galveston and Houston but there is no need to blame an administration or a group of people for this tragedy. Shame on you.

Please help in any way you can: if you can donate to the Red Cross or a Texas animal shelter, please do. If you would rather your money stay in your town, please donate close to home. The next time you have a disaster, I hope that Texans will be among the first to respond and to help.

We are all in this together.

Incredibles and beautifull fhotos... All fhotos.
That´s thinks hanppend because the Man don´t understand that´s never will win Vs natura.
I Think...
( Sorry for my English...)

It has amazed me for a long time how some people blame the President for acts of Nature. None of this or any of the other natural disasters are the blame of any one person. Galveston storm of 1900, who's fault was that? No one knew that storm was even on the horizon, but thankfully today, we are warned. Idiots chose not to do as was "requested" and leave the area. They are lost for that choice in their lives. The people who were flooded out earlier this year, or the poor folks who lost their homes, belongings and some lives from forest fires, was not their choice in life.
It is also not God's fault, nor is it President Bush's fault. I hope that some of these coastal areas will not be rebuilt, it is not worth the cost at any price. I also wished that homes on the hillsides in California would not be rebuilt but that is all wishful thinking. I would love a beachfront home here in NC, but not a reality for me. I know this but my "hopes and wishes" about rebuilding are not practical for we all know they will rebuild, better and hopefully, safer homes and businesses. But we all know that Mother Nature will take back what she wants when she wants it and there is nothing we can do about it, nor can we continue to blame the government.
It is not the government's responsibility to rebuild everything. That is what you pay insurance for... you chose to stay... live with it. I have no one to help me repair my home nor do I expect someone to come in and do it. I will die with the roof falling in.

Not only am I hurt but truly angered after reading the derogatory comments some have written about Louisiana residents. Admittedly post Katrina conditions in New Orleans were horrific and some of the area's population chose to worsen the situation with their response. Unfortunately, that is only what the national news media chose to cover. Do any of your remember seeing or reading the numerous stories of neighbors helping neighbors in any of the smaller communities below New Orleans that were devastated? How about the gratitude shown to the multitude of workers who poured into the state helping to return electricity to all of our towns? Anyone see any stories about the aftermath of Hurricane Rita and how the hardest hit southwest Louisiana towns have taken matters into their own hands and rebuilt their areas? Don't recall any stories about the recent aftermath of Hurricane Gustave either. Guess since most areas were lucky enough not to have near the flooding or death toll as in Katrina the story isn't news worthy. But as one of many (and most of our parishes statewide were affected) who felt the wrath of Gustav in one of the hardest hit parishes in the state I can tell you the majority of Louisiana residents are not spoiled brats sitting around waiting for handouts. Everyone I know has shed their tears and picked themselves up working furiously to get back on their feet. Stories of neighbors helping neighbors abound. Stories of entire subdivisions lining the streets with food, water and other refreshments for utility workers abound. More positive things have happened than could be listed here. Life will not be "normal" for quite some time but it will be again and we, the affected citizens, will be the ones who make it happen. Texans are still in shock but they are as strong as we in Louisiana and they, too, will rebound from this disaster as stronger communities. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been touched by this extremely active hurricane season.

I'd like to thank everyone in the country who came and helped us get our power back! I got mine back today and this is the first I'm seeing of Ike's destruction outside my own neighborhood in the Houston area. So many volunteers from all of Texas's border states came to help us, and the Texas officials and police were SO GOOD too! All in all, a lot of help went around and came around.

We had a house in Gilchrist, Tx... obviously not the only one left standing. Luckily it was just a vacation home and we didn't loose everything - but others did. It is a disaster zone and though my families hurt is small our hearts and prayers are with those who have lost everything. The sun will always shine after storm.

i went through and lost everything in hurricane katrina. my heart goes out to everyone affected by hurricane ike. things will be hard for a while, but eventually life will go on though never the same. i hope y'all pull through okay....

Holy shit how happy is that guy that owns that yellow house. Everyone laughed at him when he went with the more expesive builder but whos laughing now in his bed sound asleep with only a tiny hand rail to fix.

The guy that owns that house in #13 won't have to worry about firewood for quite a while. Also rest in peace seems like an oxymoron.

God Bless all you folks in Texas who have been affected by the storm. It's a shame the press only talks about New Orleans all the time. Clearly your damage is as horrible as their's has been.

We send prayers your way.

OMG Pray to the Lord that we Can rebuild

I was told from many that the difference between this storm hitting Galveston and a nuclear weapon hitting the same area is that there was no radiation. The American public has no idea of how many people lost everything in southeast Texas and have no place to go. Think about it everyone...this could have happened to you!

IT MAKES ME SO, SO SAD THAT THIS CAN HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE AND AND IT MAKE ME CRY ALL DAY WHEN I SEE THINGS LIKE--- IKE--. I JUST WISHED I COULD HELP EVERYONE WHO LOST EVERYTHING .
I THINK OUR --USA-- SHOULD GET EVERYONE BACK ON THER FEET AND FAST AND STOP HELPING OTHER COUNTRY AND HELP ALL OUR OWN. PUT THEM ALL BACK TOGETHER AGAIN --NOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 WE CAN DO IT.

JUST DO IT NOW. HELP THEM ALL !!!--- AND FAST.SPEND MONEY WHER WE NEED IT -- I OUR HOME LAND.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL---- AND GOD PLEASE HELP ALL THE LOST AND HURT ANIMALS .

This is for the comments that was made about people living near the coast line. I am a bayou girl and proud of it! Just think about the next time you put gas in your car or use of natural gas. Also, think about the next time you eat seafood. Please don’t judge coastal living. We are making a living just as well as you are. The gas you are burning in your auto that getting you to work for your living comes 30% of the coast.
Louisiana provides 30% of oil and Tx. is included for all there hard work that they provide for the states. That’s why we are proud to live in the coastal regions hurricanes or not. Just remember, there is danger every were we walk.

Bayou people are the most kindness, hard working and giving people you will ever meet. There good nature will never die so we will rebuild and this shall pass. We thank god everyday for what we have and you should do the same.

Just remember to pray for all the people who have suffered loss. God is in charge of everything in the world, time to stop and ask Him why ? Psalm 9:17

For Tony Orlando....I suggest to you that not all the homes on the beach are owned by the rich. Four members of my family worked together to buy our house and paid dearly for flood insurance. Our house is now gone and maybe we will collect the insurance. But it won't cover our costs and it won't replace our memories.

And maybe you are not familiar with Crystal Beach, but it is not a private beach. You could drive your car along all 27 miles of it and the holidays found it jam-packed with families from other areas who were enjoying that beach to the fullest.
Crystal Beach area was kind of like a California beach town 40 years ago, full of a wide mix of people who all loved their community.

Remember that your experience of anything always has another side to it!

To all my brothers and sisters of this Great State of Texas and the Greatest Nation of the world. I say for once in our life lets put aside all our petty bickering and our silly childish ego. Remember we are all in this world together and we are not put here for our own selfish self centered devices but to help our fellow human beings in times of need. I say let us not shrink away from the challenges cast upon us by mother nature or other man made disasters but let us gather ourselves in the unbreakable circle of humanity and apply our undimished will to the task at hand.
We can and will recover and we will become stronger as a people if we just reach out a helping hand to those who are in their moment of need. We are all Gods children no matter where we are from. Lets act as one race the human race and make this world a better place for us all not just a select few.

I will repeat, hard to look at but need to see. When someone tells us time to leave. It' time to listen and leave. God bless all those who are effected by this terrible storm. I have friends from Baycliff I still have not heard from.

My herat goes out to the families that have lost, businesses......Those pictures were roundbreaking. But realistic after affects, quite sure bought pain and devastation. God, be with you. No one is to blame. I lost several in Katrina some years ago. Again God be with you all.

I am here still surviving Hurricane Ike. I live 100 miles from where the eye entered the coastline (northeast of Houston) and there is devastation even here 75 miles inland that would boggle your mind. We are presently living (very rural) on generator power at about 30 dollars a day fuel costs. I have 3 small kids (6,7, 11) and we are all doing OK. I am presently at work in Beaumont, Tx where I am an ICU RN and our hospital in on full generator power. It is very wierd driving home at night (I live 50 miles north of here) in total blackout except the occassional house with a generator and headlights as the only manmade illumination. My 3 nearest neighbors all suffered partial or complete roof failures. It is still not as bad as when Rita hit us 3 years ago (in my particular case anyway). I was off the electric grid 17 days then and it was 100 degrees and 90% humidity ... BAD!

Anyway ... we'll survive, we are proud of America and Texas. All our little community has banded to gether to help one another ... the American way! So thanks for all the prayers .. we feel it! Give to your local aid for those that are in need .

BTW, The one house in pic #11 that survived was once one of thousands along the beachfront. There was approximately 15 miles of beachfront community that is wiped off the face of the Earth. And this is just one snapshot of misery. I spent many summers at the beaches on Bolivar Penninsula in my younger days. One could take a million pics of this misery. C Ya!

#235, #241, #242 tell it like it really is. To the others who do not seem to believe in God, know that it is by the "Grace of God" that you were not affected. It could have been any of us, any place, anytime. I live in the state of Alabama and we are known for having tornadoes which destroy lives and property. My heart goes out to those who have lost so much and know that I am praying for each of you.

We who live in the area and who have Thank God been able to say that we are fine are trying our best to keep our wits about us and help those who have not been as fortunate. This act of nature has nothing to do with money but with being on the "wrong side of the street at the wrong time". My family and I have thankfully come out of it with loose shingles, some leaks and cracked windows. Where my neighbors have two smashed cars, a tree in their living room and a gaping hole in their roof. Thank God no one was injured. Instead of arguing about who should do what and who didn't do what? Please keep in mind that there are many people who have nothing because of this. Instead of pointing fingers, how 'bout grabbing your phone and looking into how you can help those who don't have a car to get their one day of rationing, since you can't walk up to get it. Or those who have decided to car pool to save gas and find out that they are only giving food rations per car, (1 bag of ice, 1 case of water and a couple days worth of food), not per family in the car.
I know we will make it, I see how people here are helping one another and I see how patient people really are. All in all we will make it, but please save the negative comments for another time. If you would like to make them, call your congressman/woman and let them know that the way they are doing things is not working.

Sincerely,
A-Belle - Houston TX

Our prayers go out to all the people suffering through this crises; God will help all those in need through these trying times.

I don't care where a storm hits. Any storm or any act done by a certain person or group that causes wide spread damage is devastating.

No matter what the news reports say or don't say, the people step up and help each other. Yes some of it is on the news some or rather most of it is not. It doesn't matter if it is a tornado, tsunami, hurricane, earthquake, or just a very powerful storm system that sweeps across the county or the whole country, the PEOPLE WILL step up and help one another.

By now you all should know that the more damage, the more devastation, the more heroic acts and stuff like that are what gets the most attention.

Yes there are those that will take advantage of the situation and use it to make a fast buck. Looting, price gouging and just plain thievery happens everywhere no matter what happened. There are good and bad everywhere.

I live near Houston and yes, help was asked for. FEMA is here to help as well as groups from many other states and cities. We have the National Guard and other military in the area.

On the other hand yes we do get our hands dirty and pitch in to give neighbors, friends, family and perfect strangers a helping hand, BUT that is the case EVERYWHERE.

How do we compare the enormity of the situation? By the news coverage? By the amount of help asked for? By the dollar amount spent to put the places back together?

I DON'T CARE IF ONLY ONE LIFE WAS LOST OR THOUSANDS, death is a devastation to someone.

WHY BICKER BACK AND FORTH ABOUT IT????
We should ALL do what we can to help No matter what you do, if you only donate a buck or two, or if you lend a hand in cleaning, or a shoulder to cry on, EVERYTHING helps one way or another.

Just think if every person in the world would donate $1 to the rebuilding of anyplace that is hit by destroying act of nature or any other life altering act, just think of how much could be raisedo help those in need.

Now I know my spelling or use of words or something I said will be attacked by someone for some stupid thing or another, that is human nature for those that like to do the attacking.

What can I say but "We can't please all the people all of the time."

you pictures capture what has happened better then anything I have seen on tv.
Regards John Gibson

I am so heartbroken to see all these pictures. My heart and prayers go out to all those affected by Hurricane Ike.
The photos were unbelievable.

As long as we continue to devour the necessities of the earth it will continue to get worse. If a tree doesn't have to be cut down then leave it alone. No that newspaper is not a necessity.

Gimmee the name of that builder on that single house! Great photography-

Picture # 11 is a place we rented a beach house one summer when I was 13. I'll never forget that summer at Gilchrist. It is on the Bolivar peninsula, accessible by ferry. We had so much fun there. Sadly, the house we stayed at is not the house left standing. Someone must've built some strong piers there.

man how is that possible that those coffins on pic 24 arised from 6 ft under....poor people...god bless

I PRAY FOR EVERYONE NOT ONLY FOR THE STROM PEOPLE BUT FOR THE WORLD WE ALL NEED HELP IN SOME WAY NO MATTER HOW RICH OR HOW POOR WE ARE ALL JUST PEOPLE THAT LIVE IN A IMPERFECT WORLD THAT NEEDS TO BE BLESSED

# 24 made me sick to see...i cannot image how it would make one feel to see his/hers mother/dad washed up....Rest in peace.

We knew it was coming. We haven't had one for a long time. I was here for Alisha in 1983 and during Rita I had 10 people and 11 dogs in my home. I loved having everyone here and I have space enough to make due. In Houston/ Galveston there was help for those to get out and time for those to prepare. As a native to Houston I know you must prepare, but you must help those that truly need it. I feel sorry for those that lost everything, those that cannot help themselves, and those that did their best. I don't feel sorry for people who blow off the warnings. I have immediate family in the evacuation zones and this is what was said to me last week before the hurricane hit when I asked them to stay with me "I am facinated with the storms". I live 20 miles west of Houston and 111 feet above sea level. Sunday my that family called wanting my generator. I said no. There is more to my saying no like also like one of them stealing from me, but an able bodied person should hear the warnings and take them serious. I was prepared with food, water, gas and more for numerous. In fact my Aunt and Grandfather came to be with me. I really enjoyed the time I had with them. They went home although they still don't have power. I gave them my gas since I have power and they have a generator. Thank you for allowing me to say what I feel and I am sorry if I have affended anyone.

I believe the person's comment about this being the "END TIMES' summed it all up perfectly and I believe it will be soon...sooner than we all think. Its like the saying goes..........if you are living like there is no God...then you'd better be right.
Personally, I know that there is a God and I plan on spending my eternity right beside him. May God Bless Texas!

Living on the Florida Gulf Coast, we understand the importance of being prepared to pack up and leave. Material things can be replaced, lives cannot. I hope everyone in coastal areas wakes up to the possible violence of mother nature, and keeps their bags packed. Great pictures, Thanks, R. Rotenberry, Panama City, Fla.

I want to personally thank Delores from FEMA who is from Houston, who came here to Cedar Rapids, Iowa (an entitled community for those who want to talk down to "welfare" recipients) for putting up with me. She told me that her hometown was Houston and after seeing these pictures the thought of her being so far from home with barely a home to go back to doesn't settle well with me.
Disaster can happen to anyone anywhere (just ask the Cedar Rapids City Counsel) and sadder yet, so does prejudice. Much of the country has forgotten us already here in the MIDWEST but I will bet they will notice their food prices going up. We haven't even begun to recover because our government won't cough up the money to do so. We still wait for the miracle that never happens to happen. Pray

I've been through 3 hurricanes and they always give you time to plan to leave. I know it's hard to leave your belongings but life is worth more.

Maybe now they will change the building codes so the homes aren't built of cardboard in such a hurricane prone region. Even if they don't , people who are rebuilding should keep this in mind and not expect/trust the government to help them. Don't just be amazed at the pictures , learn from them. One last thing , WHAT DOES GOD HAVE TO DO WITH THIS TRAGEDY?! You religious types are both brainwashed and annoying . You don't speak for god , so shut up or I'll strike you down with lightning.

Amazing pictures, my heart goes out to those that lost everything, my prayers are with you all, don't give up.

I am from the south Louisiana, Lake Charles, not far from the coast. Hurricane Rita ( same size as Katrina) hit us two months after Katrina devastated New Orleans. Our city was full of evacuees from Katrina at the time we got the order to evacuate for Rita. Everything along the coast and for several miles inland was wiped out. I came home to find flooding and damage to my home and ALL of the homes around me. We had no electricity or water for weeks and the heat was unbearable. We worked like we have never worked in our lives clearing trees and debris and patching the house until we could get construction crews to help. No grocery stores, no gas, no services for weeks and the little news we did hear nationally was how at least it was not another Katrina. Thanks to the news media most people hardly remember that there was any other hurricane other than Katrina.
Now once again the Louisiana coast was devastated by Gustov and Ike. Lots of people that had only recently moved back into their homes have now lost everything again. We had extreme storm surge problems and many of us have flooded homes and wind damage. So far the person from Texas who said Louisiana was a welfare state and that we could not help ourselves I want you to know that there are plenty of us that never asked for and never received any help.
The pictures are awsome and heartbreaking. Good luck Texas. Our prayers go out to you.

I want the name of the builder of #11. What a marketing photo that would make.

To the Libs that are saying Bush/Cheney blew up the Galveston levees just like in Katrina you need to get a job modeling as douchebags. There are not levees around Galveston. It is a fricking island.

Houston was my home for a year in the 70's. I remember a lot of crazy weather. It rained 12 inches in 12 hours the day we moved in. There were snake warnings because of over flowing bayous. I was driving down a street in downtown Houston during a thunderstorm and saw a bolt of lightning strike a side street a block away as I drove by. All those beautiful old plantation style homes...what a shame. There were almost no waves off the beaches of Galveston as flat beach shelf stretched forever out into the Gulf. What a change. I saw quite a few cars with big cow skulls and long horns mounted on the hood....now that's Texas style.

Disaster is what it is, it claims no state boundaries, favors no nationality, yields woe to rich and poor alike, and has no conscience.

Whether flood, quake, slide, fire, famine, pestilence, civil war, or any other thing that nature or man is capable of there are always victims. Death, loss, and tragedy are gifts from its hands.

Perhaps heartfelt prayer is more called for than a 'Look at that!"

Those of us not affected by this horrible devistation should count our blessings big time, and do whatever we can do help those who were. I think picture #28 is the most poienent...

wow.. i would not be strong enough to go threw that kind of damage i work hard for wat i got i live in montana for resons like that.. i am sorry to all those ppl.. and will pray for them,.. but lookin at the photos that wont to much.

My heart goes out to all who have suffered loss. I hope attention will
be drawn to this area for a long time as it was in New Orleans. The news
media seem to have forgot all the distruction in the midwest earlier
this year. Our of sight out of mind!!Let's hope this doesn't happen in Texas.

awesome pics from a seriously devistating event.. Its sad i feel for th people of galviston.. no one should have to go through this...
hey Bush send a little more aid to iraq and Georgia....lets see how long fema takes to repond....

HI FIVE TO #460. GOD BLESS TEXAS...
SINCE THIS HAS TURNED TO A GET IT OFF YOUR CHEST BLOG.
IT'S FUNNY HOW MANY USE PEOPLES WORDS AND THEROY TO
CONCLUDE HOW THINGS WORK. YOU SURE ARE SMART! LET
THE SCIENTISTS, MATHEMATICIANS, OR CHEMISTS USE THEIR
TRIAL AND ERROR, OR GO TO YOUR LOCAL PHYSICS PROFESSOR
AND HAVE HIM THROW AN EQUATION AT YOU. NO ONE CAN PREDICT
ANYTHING. EARTH WAS DESIGNED TO DIVERSE AND ADAPT. YOU
PEOPLE GOING TO BLAME GLOBAL WARMING ON A COMET
THAT HITS EARTH, OR MAYBE WHY YOUR TOLIET WON'T FLUSH.
MAYBE I'LL BLAME GLOBAL WARMING ON WHY I DIDN'T LIMIT OUT
ON REDFISH.

MY SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO THOSE OF LOSS. THANKS TO ALL
THAT HAVE HOPE AND POSITIVE SUPPORT.

TO ALL THE OTHERS ,SHAME ON ALL THE NEGATIVE WORDS
YOU HAVE TO SAY ON THE TRAGIC EVENTS OF IKE. I HOPE
YOU STEP IN YOUR DOGS SHIT AND FORGET TO CLEAN YOUR
HANDS WHILE EATING DINNER.
THINK ABOUT IT...

I am so sorry for these people. We are praying for them. Also the church I attend is sending three volunteers tomorrow to Nashville, TN to assist. Disaster Relief Effort supported by churches of Christ is sending supplies to the victims of this disaster. I am one of the volunteers -- glad to be able to help!!!

In Christian Love,
Gladys

I live in Biloxi and grew up in N.O. - I have ridden out many hurricanes and left town
a few times. I was surprised at the reaction of some Texans upon returning home.
Didn't they see the devastation caused by Katrina and Rita? Didn't they learn any-
thing from that aftermath? If you're within 100 mi. from the path of the eye (esp. if
you're on the northeast quadrant), you're gonna be hammered - no matter what
category the storm is! Although N.O. got most of the press due to the flooding, the
Gulf Coast was ERASED up to a mile from water's edge (including bays and canals). But then many probably didn't see those stories as N.O. was constantly
in the limelight (primarily due to the refugees that couldn't leave on their own). As
for those that insist we move away from the water, we could say the same thing to
you - why live in tornado alley or in a eartquake-prone area, or in hilly terrain where
flashflooding occurs, ad nauseum. We all live with dangers inherent in our locales
and we need to understand that's how insurance works. Many contribute so that few can be rebuilt. Last time it was our turn. This time it was Texas' turn. Next week it'll be a tornado in Oklahoma or fires in CA. Mother Nature will wash all of
us away at one time or another. Believe me, I feel for all those ravaged by Ike and
don't forget that Gustav caused a lot of flooding in LA too. We go on.

The guy trying to clear the storm drain should be nominated for a Darwin Award. If he did clear the drain, he would quickly get sucked down into a early death.

That is why I am glad i live in Virginia . I lived near Galveston about 25 years ago. Moved there right after Hurricane Alicia. I really feel bad for the people there. I wish them hope and courage.

My family migrated to Galveston from Germany just prior to the 1900 storm. The images from their story stay imprinted in my mind. When the storm ended, the disaster continued for many years. The city, and national governments did almost nothing to help these people.

i can only imagine that others far away would rationalize the event where people did very little for years to help the people there. Such rationalizations as this is God's will, or believing the media say what a wonderful job the people of this country did for these folks. I see this kind of behavior all too often.

It is like we can't help ourselves, and before it is all over; we speak as though it is about us and not the victims. Are we all really that self absorbed. Can we use rational thinking to look at problems through the eyes other than of gods. I mean, we are people first. We can then be classed as a man or woman, a father or mother, a friend, a skilled worker, and a neighbor. Would' it be more appropriate top look at such problems like a good neighbor. I mean, what if the person you are helping does not have your beliefs; will you still help them the same way.

I make these observations here because there is allot of people posting who have pounded the idea of wishing God's help to all.

Maybe what is needed more here is questioning how the tragedy was handled by all, and how future impacts can be lessened. And everyone, no matter where you live can do this. Your efforts will help others in the future. At the same time, it puts us in a common ground where it does not matter what you believe in.

I was named after an Italian priest from Italy. I was also the first to not attend private schools. I do not believe in a superior being who made everything. Instead I believe in myself. I also believe in the capacity of my neighbor. I also believe in leaving this world a better place after I am gone. When I see nature, I see how everything interacts; such beauty. This beauty can only be fully understood when you know how long it took to evolve. It is important to know your place on this planet, and we are no more important than the butterfly, or the tree it is landing on.

I would expect people to be people first, and help truthfully. Afterwards on your own time, you may believe in any thing you wish. Turning your head during tragedy in life leaves you without experience. and without experience how can you help others or yourself in the future.

I have had all sorts wish me luck, or pray; but no one has actually lent a hand during any tragedy in my life, to include this storm.

Tony
My family migrated to Galveston from Germany just prior to the 1900 storm. The images from their story stay imprinted in my mind. When the storm ended, the disaster continued for many years. The city, and national governments did almost nothing to help these people.

i can only imagine that others far away would rationalize the event where people did very little for years to help the people there. Such rationalizations as this is God's will, or believing the media say what a wonderful job the people of this country did for these folks. I see this kind of behavior all too often.

It is like we can't help ourselves, and before it is all over; we speak as though it is about us and not the victims. Are we all really that self absorbed. Can we use rational thinking to look at problems through the eyes other than of gods. I mean, we are people first. We can then be classed as a man or woman, a father or mother, a friend, a skilled worker, and a neighbor. Would' it be more appropriate top look at such problems like a good neighbor. I mean, what if the person you are helping does not have your beliefs; will you still help them the same way.

I make these observations here because there is allot of people posting who have pounded the idea of wishing God's help to all.

Maybe what is needed more here is questioning how the tragedy was handled by all, and how future impacts can be lessened. And everyone, no matter where you live can do this. Your efforts will help others in the future. At the same time, it puts us in a common ground where it does not matter what you believe in.

I was named after an Italian priest from Italy. I was also the first to not attend private schools. I do not believe in a superior being who made everything. Instead I believe in myself. I also believe in the capacity of my neighbor. I also believe in leaving this world a better place after I am gone. When I see nature, I see how everything interacts; such beauty. This beauty can only be fully understood when you know how long it took to evolve. It is important to know your place on this planet, and we are no more important than the butterfly, or the tree it is landing on.

I would expect people to be people first, and help truthfully. Afterwards on your own time, you may believe in any thing you wish. Turning your head during tragedy in life leaves you without experience. and without experience how can you help others or yourself in the future.

I have had all sorts wish me luck, or pray; but no one has actually lent a hand during any tragedy in my life, to include this storm.

Tony

THis is for number 61 W Burns. You act like you know all of the facts where these poor people are concerned. Here most of them more then likely make minimum wage. I lived in Florida and in 1999 we had 2 hurricanes within a few weks of each other. Here I was working full time and so was my girlfriend. Yetwe had no money to evacuate and we lived 2 blocks from the ocean. If it had not been for my girlfriends uncle we would have had to stay on beachside. We only left for the first one as it was mandatory to leave. If we had known the it would not have been very bad I would have stayed in our apartment.We went to a hotel and we lost power there. We could not open our window and the restraunts in that area were closed. So we had nothing to eat for a few days. If I lived down there again andthere was a hurricane coming I surely would not get out.

If they could not afford to get out where do you think they would get the money to pay the government back. These people who stayed more then likely could not even afford a car or insurance. I really feel sorry that they are being criticized by someone of your caliber. How would you like to make 7. an hour or 10. an hour and have a family to feed, or to not have transportation out of the area.

To me you are acting lke god almighty. You are to me slime for saying what you have said about these people.

We in East Texas complain about loseing power during this storm at least we still have our homes and lifes. God bless everyone in those areas, my prayers are with you all.

We as a nation have to come together. We can see how short life can be, we all need to help as much as we can no matter how little you might think your help is.
To those that was affected by the storm any help is a great help. So give whatever you can, your time, money, clothes, food, etc. But must of all say a prayer for all of those that lost a love one, friends, Mothers & fathers, children. Keep them in your prayers. We must pray as a nation. Dear God we pray for the families that was affected by this storm, we are praying for the families in Hatti and for those in Cuba, in the Bahamas, for those right in the United States. Texas, Louisiana, Houston and for all the county that was hit by this storm. God you know who they are give them a sense of peace within their hearts so that they may rise up and rebuild. To God be the glory.....8-)

It's not the type of building materials on the homes as much as how well they are built. How good are the tie-downs? How deep are the pilings? Is there more than enough rebar? When Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, the devastation was much like what you see in Picture #11. And many of the old Southern Mansions were built of concrete, brick, etc. Some of them remained, perhaps because they were a little more sheltered by a small knoll (not likely, since the storm surge was higher than the highest point of some of the towns), but you get the point. The home in #11 looks to be wood siding, on pilings, with composition roof. The contractor really built for the worst situation, not just to meet the building codes.
My heart goes out to all those that now have to rebuild their lives and grieve for those that are not coming back. May you have the peace of God that excells all thought in the coming days.

WOW... sorry to all of those people who were devestated by the storm... Most of those pics are almost to much to see.... Makes a person wonder what will be next.... Kinda glad to be living up here in the NORTH..

WOW !! Only one can truely believe this catastraphic damage is to see it in person .

I cannot believe all of the arrogant posters that feel it's okay to bash Louisiana people because of a small segment of the population hit by Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike. I live in Terrebonne Parish southwest of NOLA. We have had damage - some quite severe - from all four of these storms. We have not looted, we have not begged, we HAVE rebuilt, we have put our kids back in schools that are missing roofs, books, computers, etc., we have put our lives back on track without whining, or blaming someone else. Are we better than Texans? No. We are better than some, not as good as others and equal to most. An imaginary line separating two states does not create better or worse people. Yes some of the people from Louisiana acted like ungrateful jerks, but most did not. And yes, some Texans are also jerks, but the whole state should not be judged by these idiots. So offer sympathy and help, but stop bashing others. It makes you look small.

These are wonderful photos and I hope they prompt those of us who have been luckier to keep giving and helping. This was a natural disaster, but that said, if our government paid more attention to preserving the wetlands we would have more natural barriers to storm surges and hurricanes. Just as New Orleans would NOT have been inundated if the city, state, and Army Corps of Engineers had kept the levees up to code.

Who was it who said that the people in NOLA who didn't evacuate stayed so they could rob and "steel" from their neighbors? Such ignorance. Don't you know there were no good options for people who didn't own cars? Sheesh. You claim to be Christian, and yet you have no mercy.

What did people not understand about mandatory evacuation? Why are my tax dollars paying for there rescue?

Looks like Katrine all over again except it mostly white people...wonder why they didn't get out.

The pictures tell it all! Although I have not had the opportunity to read all of the posts, I am compelled, however, to remind readers that Hurricane Katrina did not "hit" New Orleans. The levees broke in New Orleans after the hurricane. Hurricane Katrine made landfall on the Mississippi coast, blowing it off the map, just like Ike did to Galveston and the Texas coast. And what about Hurricane Rita? The Louisiana coast in Cameron, Lousiana was obliterated. Cameron is not New Orleans, but it's home to many that are now homeless once again from Ike.

Beautiful pictures!
Nice composition!
Unbelievable!

My heart goes out to all of those affected by IKE. I am glad I live in Colorado where we just get snow. It is hard to image just what destruction a hurricane can do. I am originally from San Antonio and know all the people there is ready to help anyway they can. God Bless America.

Being a native from Corpus Christi, Texas and my family still there as I work In Old Orchand Beach, Maine and unable to be there my Heart will always be nothing but Texas I pray that will can overcome this together for TEXAS is the LONE STAR STATE. My prayers to everyone in Galveston and Houston and surrounding Cities.

I am heartbroken to see the photos of IKE's destruction to Texas. I am a Louisiana resident who lost her home in Hurricane Rita and did not CRY for help from anyone. My husband and I rebuilt our home WITH OUR OWN TWO HANDS. We did not wait for someone else to come in and do it. We did not hang our heads and lament our situation. We are proud citizens of Louisiana. We have already send supplies to Texas. We are sending more tomorrow. We will continue to do all we can for those in need. Please don't judge Louisiana by those who behaved shamefully in the past. Most of us are kind, caring and grateful individuals.

to ryan 509. Galveston gets ripped into about every 100 years, James A. Mitchner writes a great historical fiction called TEXAS, it can tell you the details in a fun story.
that said, I do believe we need to cut out our consumption of Oil, not only stop our demand for foreign oil, or local oil. Wind, Solar, Bio Fuels like switch grass, and hemp seed oil. No to New Clear (Nuclear) it has a bad leftover waste product that is poison, and has a long shelf life. Europe is looking for alternatives because no one wants to accept the radio active waste, and bury it in their back yard. That's one thing Politicans don't tell you here. They say let's be like France and have Nuclear power. Let's be like France and look for alternative sources is what I say.

Global warming huh post # 24? I guess it was global warming that caused the cat. 4 hurricane that completely destroyed Galveston in 1900 and reamins the deadliest natural disaster in American history with anywhere between 6000 and 12,000 deaths.

Texans maybe prideful but this pride has kept almost every person from trying to capatilze on the misfortune of fellow Texans, by not looting everyhting that could be carried or dragged away.

Having seen the pure damage that the almighty "Mother Nature" can place on this Country in such a short time. The estimated cost of the storm is a small sum of $10 Billion with a "B". The estimated cost to bail out the "Mortgage Industry" currently stands at $200 Billion, with a "B". In comparison that would take IKE 260 days in the "US alone to be tracked & covered by the Weather Channel & Others. It only took the Mortgage Industry 7 years to exceed the cost of IKE by 20 times. Put that in the right mind set and wonder where all the coverage from the perfect "STORM TRACKERS" has been over that same time period? I wonder if all the Storms over the past 7 years would add up to that total loss of $200 Billion with a "B" Anyone Know?

gracias por esas fotos donde nos dan una mensaje de que nos solidarisemos con nuestros hermanos que en estos momentos se encuentran sin hogar, sin alimento.......

People with an agenda (comment #24) will never give up trying to force it on others, even during a disaster...

God Bless America

We pray for all of you who have suffered from this storm. I cannot believe all of the destruction.

This is what happens when you keep building up areas that should not have large population centers. Building too close to the shore and you blame it on global warming....hahahaha very funny. How about blaming local government on letting them build in an area that is susceptible to natural disasters. California has earthquakes and mudslides, the East coast and Gulf coast have hurricanes--simple--don't build there.

I'm shocked to see what it looks like, "the aftermath" its one thing to hear about something like this. but to see it is tragic..God help and bless them all.

Amazing photos, as always. They are beautiful, even though the subject matter is devastation and tragedy.

IT is so wonderful to see these photos so that we can have a better understanding of nature and of the despair that those in need are feeling right now. May God be with us all to help the heal. God has his ways and reasons, we just don't always understand for that matter I don't that we are supose to understand or question his reasons for that matter either. Deep down there will be beauty and blessings in all this when one of these days we look back.

The picture of that single house looks like the after math of the Tsunami in Thailand & Indonesia! Very sad.

surreal.every one is amazing in its own way.these pictures give you the big picture of what these hurricanes can do.A reminder of katrina 3 years ago.utterly insane .number 13 stood out along with 11 and 21.there was only 1 house left standing!!!hope for all the people who couldnt make it out in time or that stayed behind.hope that th esupports held and they are all right.all we can do is hope.remember katrina and remember gustav.prepare for the worst hope for the best . NOLA HGTX NOLA HGTX NOLA HGTX

i am a texas native and have relitaves in galveston and houston.

i think it is time with the amount of severe storms like ike are hitting the states ... they started to build homes bisness out of concrete .. and bury all power cables ... it is time . the government spent money in this country rather to foreign .. lets think of the american people first ... it appears to be no matter where you are in the states ... people lose power ... this is the 21st century ... it is time we come in line with the rest of the world .....

My prayers are with every victim and their family...God Bless you ALL......

Wow is all I can say..great pictures...

I grew up on the coast of Mississippi and endured Camille in '69. The wind gauges broke at 200 mph. Let me tell you it was bad. 36 years later Katrina hits. Yes, Katrina hit Miss. The media tends to focus on the bad and hype. Miss. barely got any coverage because it was managed well, even though mostly destroyed. NOLA was not managed well at all. La. has been known for many, many years for corrupt politicians. I've also lived in NOLA before, and before you folks start stereotyping what you see on TV, this city has some of the finest people you'd ever want to meet, so don't focus on the rotten eggs as a generality.

I've lived in Houston for nearly 30 years. The last major hurricane was Alicia in 1983. Even though I've only had local news coverage 24/5, I understand that nationally you are not getting it. That's because things are running smoothly, with only a few glitches. I would expect the national news to pick up on those shortly in order to focus on the negative.

It appears that I've lost the beach house on the Bolivar Peninsula though. Actually, my house was right down the highway from the Yellow house in #11.

Thank you for publishing those photos. Life here will take a while tor us to get back to normal. Please do not forget about us.

#24 You're an idiot!

This is really to Commenter # 33. Not ALL of us from Louisiana are like you discribed, only the few from in and around the New Orleans areas are like that! I was born in Louisiana, raised on the coasts from Galveston, TX to Appalachicola, FL, have been through many of hurricanes (56 yrs. worth) and none of my relatives or friends in any of these states have asked for or received assistance from any governmental agencies. WE HELPED EACH OTHER OUT. So you have no right comparing ALL OF LOUISIANA to the likes of those from in and around NEW ORLEANS! I've seen a lot of "BEGGERS" from TEXAS, too!

My heart goes out to all families affected by the storm. Being from New Orleans, I know all too well what you're going through and the pictures were hauntingly familiar. You guys stood by us and helped in more ways than we even know and we're here for you now.
You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Sharon B

I challenge all who have made a comment regarding this disaster, and who are more fortunate than those in Galveston to dig deep into your pocketsand head to your local American Red Cross and make a donation - no matter how small. They need all the help they can get! God Bless

What name of President Bush"s hometown?

God's power is seen in these awesome photos.

God bless all those effected by Ike. My brother in law and sister in law live in Orange, TX. They were one of the lucky ones. Water came within 2 inches of the back door of their house. Lost only a few trees.

This is a horrible time for all of us on in the path of Ike, but like always we will make it through this and do it without wimpering. Government can not take care of the individual......so get out and clear your own lot, your neighbors lot and make the best of it.. That's how Texans are made.

The media is complaining, but not on my behave. I will find my own water, my own food and my own gas. I will not be dependent on the plans of others for my future.

The people of the US are strong, independent and self relient. Start acting like a proud American. WORK.

Where is God during devastations such as Ike? He's in the hearts and hands of all who aid the unfortunate ones caught in the path of destruction. If we can't physically go to help, we can spend one day or more at work earning money to give to the Red Cross or other relief effort. If it were not for the graphic photos, we would not know the need to respond.

I pray that this type of tragic disaster never happens ever again, also, I pray for everyone who have lost so much because of this terrible storm.
I hope they get all the help they need such as support, supplies, food, water, and shelter. My heart goes out to all of the victims.

Marilyn

Marilyn

These photos made me think how lucky I am to be living here in Ind. My Prayers go out to all the people who have to come back from this tragic situation, and most must start over. But where will they start? I have concerns about two families who live in the area and I hope the Goodwin's and the Eckhart's are safe and we hear from them soon. MY Prayers are for everyone. God Bless all of you.

My favorite pic is the last one.

As a former member of the U.S. Coast Guard, all too often we would go into scenes like this or other emergency situations and the best thing we would receive would be a simple thank you, hand shake or hug. Knowing that we pput ourselves in harms way to help someone else, and succeeding, THAT is the best feeling in the world, no amount money or fame can top a simple hug and thank you for something like that. Dispite all the devastation it is thing like this, the last picture, that help people move on with their lives.

#283... I applaud your comments. As a citizen of the great state... I can assure you that Texans will pull themselves up by their bootstraps and get on with the work at hand. Blaming anyone or anything is a useless waste of energy. And, I am sure that the ablebodied and minded of NOLA will help in any way that they can. I must make a point here, though. In San Antonio, my home, there are more than a few from NOLA that have made their homes here. And in the process, they have spent a great deal of time biting the hands that feed them. They had nothing (including jobs) in NOLA and then through no choice of their own have come here and expect us to support them. The crime rate has elevated, areas of town are horrors to visit and the value of the homes in a number of areas has dropped drastically since the evacuees have moved there. If they would spend more time looking for employment and less time criticizing those who have tried to help them we might all be happier.
It is unfortunate, but I realize that there are a goodly number of poor who will be in our city from Galveston as well. However, I don't think the numbers will be as high. For starters, there aren't that many people in the Texas coastal area as in NOLA. And besides, we won't have room for them to live since we are still supporting the NOLA bunch. Our city is not the only city dealing with this problem. It is not NOLA itself nor will it be Galveston. It is the few who are "entitled" that cause the problems for the rest of us. And, I feel sure that there will be many cities crying the same tears before it is all over. It isn't just the problem of natural disasters that cause the problem. It is the unbelievable number of people that believe the rest of ous owe them a living that is the real problem. Maybe some of the misplaced should employ themselves by rebuilding their own cities....
Being an American does not entitle us to be supported by the masses.. If you are unable to go back to your home... GET A JOB WHERE YOU ARE. Believe me, I would prefer not to work myself. But, that's life. I have back pain, leg pain, arthritis, allergies, etc., etc., etc., but I still work to support myself so not another soul has to. Isn't that a novel idea? How about McDonalds? Or Bill Millers? They even offer an educational program....

It is much worse than what I've heard on the news!
#56/ Robert C......just know that if you ever do come to the end of yourself....it's never to late to admit your short-comings and turn to a merciful and loving almighty God who will be waiting with open arms. 1 John 4:10 "This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear Friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.

Having lived in the area where hurricanes are a threat every year, we've all learned to never take these storms for granted. No matter how large, or how small the damage physically is powerful, but the emotional damage is far worse for each and every individual involved, or that has family involved. After Katrina I begin to think more about the pets/animals that went through these events as well. The photos included here of the horse grazing...all alone and surrounded by water, and the one of the kitten in the tree just tear at my heart! So many of these animals have lost their owners, and their homes. No one, human or animal is saved from the hurt and damage caused by these horrible acts of nature!

INCREDIBLE PICTURES!!!
LET'S HOPE WE HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY TO FOREWARN OUR FELLOW AMERICANS WHEN FUTURE DISASTERS ON OUR HERIZON ARE COMING, TO KEEP DISTRUCTION AND DEATH TOTALS TO A MINIMUM!!!
TO ALL THOSE WHO EXPERIENCED THIS TERRIBLE DISTRUCTION, I HOPE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY RECOVER SOON, AND LIFE RETURNS TO SOME SORT OF NOMAILITY!!!
BE SAFE AND LOVE DEEPLY!!

´`e bronca! Dificil viver assim! serao bem vindos ao Brasil:)

SAD, VERY SAD

I just want to say that my prayers and thoughts are with all of the people who have suffered from this tragedy. May God bless and keep you all.

I am a survivor in Houston Texas from Hurricane Ike and although we just got our power after 4 days being without water and power, I cannot believe how everyone stuck together during these trying times. I am so thankful for all the help from our neighboring states, if it wasn't for them we would probably still be in the dark.

There is absolutely no one to blame, this is an act of nature that could not be avoided. These are the first photos I have seen of all the devestation, since my family and I only had a radio to keep us informed.

All I can say about the storm, I was scared sh**less! we had 100 MPH winds and a tornando hit down the street! I would not wish this on my worst enemy.

#24...I suppose the hurricane in 1900 that wiped out galveston the first time was caused by global warming as well?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galveston_Hurricane_of_1900

I am sure someone else already pointed this out, but I didnt have time to read all 512 comments

I just hope and pray the people who lost their lives were prepared to meet their maker!!!!!!!!!! The pictures were absolutley unbelievable. I hope I never have to go through anything like that. Thanks for sharing the photos with everyone.

For all of us that have no way to help this condition physically, we must pray for those who can help, and for those that have suffered loss and stress from the devastations caused by these storms as we did in the case of Katrina and all other overwhelming catastrofiies in the pass. God bless all of the people through out the world who suffer because when one suffers we all suffer, for we are all one people.

Wow. what devestation

I will continue to pray for all who suffered loss in the path of Ike. I have been to Galveston several times and enjoyed each visit. It is shocking to see such damage
makes you realize who is still boss in this world. Lets not blame those who live there by choice, disasters can happen everywhere. My Wife and I had always wished for a place near the beach, even when we see this and may we thank god for those who were able to ride out the storm without getting hurt. I feel they should get some engineers out to look at the houses in pics 11 & 13 to find out why they were able to withstand the storm while all the others were wiped out.

I pray for all the families involved here, and pray for those families who lost their loved ones and for those people who lost everything. Words will never comfort those people in harm's way, but hope GOD will find a way to heal their tormented hearts and minds. I hope everybody finds shelter, food and medical assistance.

The devastation is enormous and the sadness profound, believe that each and every man, woman and child should be assisted and cared for without prejudice or malice. It is contempt and disregard that are destroying our world !! From Canada you have our thoughts and prayers !!

Amazing Photos....it is like looking at my pictures I took of Hurricane Katrina three years ago. I know what they are going through, I lived it with Katrina.

People ask how do we put up with this....but regardless of where you live something happens. Like one newscaster said, at least we have time to prepare. CA has earthquakes that happen all of a sudden, mid west has tornados, you can't prepare for, and the North has ice and snow storms.....regardless of where you live Mother Nature finds you.

My prayers go out to everyone in TX and Southern LA.

I am from New Orleans, and we had little problems from Gustav, we were blessed Ike went in another direction.

As a survivor of at least 12 hurricanes since 1948s, including a typhoon in the Pacific in 1947 aboard the USNHS Comfort, Betsy in New Orleans in 1966 (nailed the front door closed) and Andrew in 1992 (lost 24 roof trusses) I certainly empathise with the victims of Ike, including the foolhardy that did not evacuate when told in what sounded to me as a restained order.

Since when have earthquakes and tsunami's been associated with global warming? ...and yes, the Ice Age did exist. The earth's temperature has been cycling for billions of years. The difference today is that we're actually here to observe it this time.

Hurricanes were striking the Texas coast with equal or greater impact in terms of wind speed, size, and surge than Ike long before we readers arrived. They will continue to do so long after we're gone. Ike's destruction, like Katrina's was related to its point of impact, not a mysterious force solely attributable to global warming... ...regardless of what the omniscient Mr. Gore may tell us.

God bess everyone!

My lord, watch over thee...guide, protect ,restore with abundant peace, with all your grace, grace it be, to all on earth, for all that were involved. These photos tell a remarkable testimony. May the winds of time bring forth calmer atomsphere for the land and all the elements, and creatures you 've made. Bless and restore
each existing life. Wow, I can't even imagine...Leaves me speachless.

Oh that poor kitty! Poor thing!

Is it not possible for people to view these photos simply for what they are--an awesome display of the power of nature and a very sad display of tragedy for some of our fellow Americans---without this forum turning into a diatribe about religion, whether it be bashing atheists or Christians? What is wrong with you people? If you believe in God, say a prayer for the people who have lost everything. If you don't, count your blessings. Either way, if you have nothing positive to contribute, do us all a favor and spare us all your views on politics and religion!

Texans are tough and formidable people. We will survive this natural disaster as we have many other things in the past. Galveston WILL be rebuilt and will be better than ever!! Houston will recover and get the refineries going again before you know it. I, for one, am proud of the way our state and our citizens have reacted to this terrible event. My prayers are with all the folks effected by Ike.

Our hearts and prayers are certainly going out to all of the people that experienced such destruction from the Hurricane's.
We were with out electricty for 10 hrs.
And I thought that was bad in Little Rock.
The pictures were unbeliveable.
May God be with you during this very difficult time in your lives.

I am truly amazed at people's comments! My first reaction to the photos was utter shock and horror! I was speechless. I live in Nova Scotia,Canada and I have never seen distruction like that here. A lot of snow and ice can do a lot of damage but Never have I seen anything like that. It almost seems unreal because I can't comprehend the magnitude of the distruction. I'm so sorry. My heart breaks for you and yes I do believe in prayer and have seen many miracles. Sometimes we don't get the answer we want I know but that doesn't stop me from turning to God for his help. I don't blame God. If anyone knows the bible you know that these things will always happen as long as we have the 4 seasons. The rain falls on the just as well as the unjust. This isn't the forum for debate. Let's all rally together and help.

breath taking

Coastal areas aren't the only areas that have damage from hurricanes, if you bother to look Ike caused damage all the way into Ohio, Kentucky, and the effects of Ike were even felt in Canada. It was said on here that "it is stupid to build on the coast." Would you say the same for those that live in tornado Alley? Would you say the same to those that live in the areas that are tormented by wild fires, earthquakes, torrential seasonal rains or even blizzards?

How far would you suggest that people live away from the coast line?

If you live in an area that has never had a natural disaster of any kind I want to know where you live so I can move there.

Pictures are worth a 1000 words but remember they don't tell the whole story.
These are some really good pics, thank you for doing your best to show how things are and for trying to let people know what its like in the aftermath.

The Lord is still here folks, your home may not be there but you are here. Remember when everything seems hopeless do not lose your Faith. My prayers are with all of you. Prayers are a direct line to GOD and he does hear you. His time is not the same as our time but your prayers will be ansered if they haven't been already by keeping you and your family alive. I am so sorry for your losses but I will keep you in my prayers as will many others. Peace my friends and God Bless. Thank you for the pictures I will pass this on so others may see them. PS Pray for all the animals also.

Pictures 24 and 25 are so sad !!! I never thought I would ever see caskets un-earthed like this.

I'm still praying for all of Y'all who have been affected by Hurricane Ike...

I will do anything I possibly can to help out the victims in any catastrophe, but it irks me to no end when people do not evacuate when they are instructed to. I'm not referring to those who can't....I'm referring to the thrill seekers who then put rescuer's lives at risk to save their ass.

I feel deep sorrow for the people who live in disasters path. It seems too many disastors of late. If this is not an "awakening" call for us! Let us help our fellow Americans, if not by our hands, maybe by donations to such organizations like the American Red Cross, and prayers for all! Believe and keep each one's faith. That is a difficult task in itself, I know. ....

So sad and heartbreaking.
Do you realy think ,it's time to take "ONE NATION UNDER GOD" out of our pledge and take "IN GOD WE TRUST " off our money?
I think it is time to turn back to GOD and call on HIM to have MERCY!!!!

Very powerful pictures! Bet you won't see these on the news. As bad as Ike was, it could have been much worse. All of our loved ones were prepared and safe. God bless everyone down there in Texas!

The cat and the coffins got me...tragic all of it. Has anyone heard of the "no evacuation zones" in Houston and surrounding areas? While everyone is wondering why people didn't get out while they could, we heard some were asked to stay. Rumor or Truth? The one thing that really sickens me is that everyone away from IKE's path of destruction has an opinion on what to do, how to do it, and when to do it, etc. BUT are they in the thick of it??? HELL NO....but one thing I can say, people, now matter where they are, will grab their boot straps or tighten their belts and get on with the job of living till the next thing hits them over the head, because it will.

I happen to live down in Texas where they first said Ike was going to hit. I just want you to know I was ready to leave. As for why we live here. No matter where you live there is nature to deal with. There are snow storms, tornadoes, eathquake and yes hurricanes. As I am originally from Mo, I have survived tornadoes. I would rather be on the coast of Tx. We knew of Ike as of Sept. 1, and we had time to leave or not.
I would like for us to remember we are all Americans here, no matter what state you are from. What we need is to remember to help in anyway you can. Please put aside you nasty comments and get on with helping one another.
God Bless America

man that was a bad strom that they had my uncle mike he owns bryants eleritric im his nefu and me and my mom was going to move up there that day but now we have to wait but my uncle is ok and i pray that everybody else is

I was born and raised in Galveston and these pictures broke my heart!!! My mother left the island on Thursday before Ike hit and I am grateful she is safe but I am so sad that my hometown is so broken! We are anxious to get on the island to see our family home and business but we will wait patiently and continue to pray for everyone in the Galveston community. God bless!

I HATE IKE THE HURRICANE

those pics are just tear jerking

ppl who live there, be brave!

i noe there's now way i could've been brave in that situation!

best of luck Ike victims

#105-SEAN--You are right, #7 is a picture of the Hwy 332 Bridge near Bluewater Hwy in Surfside, TX. Thank you for the link to TexasFreeway.com

http://www.texasfreeway.com/houston/photos/freeport/freeport.shtml

The pictures of how that area used to look really puts things in a different light. It brings the devastation even closer to home. I grew up here, and I will miss that area (Surfside, San Luis Pass, & Galveston) dearly!

I'm totally speechless.
I thought the comment about Louisiana was quite powerful. Has Louisiana offered open doors to any of Texans who lost everything? As I watch the USA always at the ready to send aid to countries devastated by natural disasters, have any of the countries in the world offered to help the people of Texas?
The money and other supplies we send to other nations--even those who do not want the take it--should be put to use here. No one in the US who loses it all due to a natural disaster should be faced with the offer of a "low interest loan" to rebuild.