Shocking Katrina - A vacuum of leadership

The world is upset or in shock at the impact of Katrina on New Orleans and the slow response system that has affected disproportionately the poor and minority communities of the devastated area.

I can't add much to the discussion. But I am not surprised of the horror unfolding since last Monday. (Last Wednesday, I estimated that the death toll could reach 20 000 when the press was still talking about a few thousand. I am afraid that it might come true.)

I was already telling friends on Friday that it is not acceptable for the US president only to fly over the scene and wait so many days before shaking hands and hugging Katrina survivors. The photo opps are symbolic, but representative of the country's united support. Even if you like the guy, it is difficult to deny that Bush's lack of leadership this week was unprecedented in his presidency.

A while ago, right after September 11, I worked on a consulting project examining the challenges of local governments in preparing for a bioterrorism emergency. One critical element we identified for a dynamic response was consequence management. "Perhaps sustained and successful attention to consequence management will provide a form of prevention, as the threat moves toward targets likely to yield more spectacular results." High-tech communication infrastructure, reliable resource and incident management systems and updated emergency response systems can reduce mortality and morbidity in emergency situations.

Of all the things I have read recently, I find these articles most interesting:

Excellent summary of the communication problems in today's Le Monde

How state governments have assisted displaced folks

Lines of authority (by Paul Krugman)

FEMA and budget shifting

International donors

Will donors face the same generosity ranking as for the tsunami response?