5 July 1957 “Hurricane Audrey”

On 27 June of this year, 1957, Hurricane Audrey demolished Cameron Louisiana. The residents of Texas and Louisiana had very little warning before Audrey hit. It did $147 million in property damage and took 416 lives.

As the storm moved inland it caused many tornados in Mississippi and Alabama, causing 14 injuries and two deaths. The moisture from the storm reached the Mid-West and caused record (at the time) flooding. It is amazing what such a storm can do to the whole country.

Red Cross volunteers help to answer some of the thousands of telegrams of inquiry from family members impacted by Hurricane Audrey. More than 7,000 wires were received and transmitted. Disaster headquarters, Lake Charles, LA, June 1957.

Surely, today in the 21st century, we know of a much more damaging storm, Katrina. Its aftermath was intense and left our country reeling in many ways. I think what frightened me the most and still does today was our Country’s own response to the storm. I fell less like looking for blame and more curious and a bit worried that we simply are not ready for such situations. It makes me feel rather vulnerable in that if such storms or any disaster hits our country, are we not prepared or is it simply a matter of politics and ill planning? I know that for those involved, it is devastating.

We are subject to Hurricanes where I live on the East Coast. Our last large Hurricane was Hurricane Bob, but did no where the damage and deaths seen in the South.

I do hope, with all the devastating tornados and bad weather we have had this Spring in our country, that we are becoming better equipped to deal with it. It seems, however, that most often the area’s need to rely on one another. I heard that in one of the devastated tornado areas, a town was so destroyed and so devoid of public help, it began using elephants from their local zoo. It makes one wonder how it was dealt with before cars and electricity, and certainly it seems, one would have more animal power on hand to asses the damage. Presumably, there would be less population density and overall buildings to clean up as well. There is an interesting link in today’s Vintage Daily News of the people in the towns and such doing clean up after the hurricane in 1957. It is worth a look.

Well, I hope the remainder of this year is storm free and that we may all enjoy a wonderful and good weathered Summer.

There is a Vintage Daily News today, click link or HERE.

Happy Homemaking.