Help Needed Again in New Orleans

For dozens of families and business owners in Westwego and New Orleans, the tornado that tore apart roofs and walls and tossed FEMA trailers off their pilings Tuesday was a kick in the gut.

Many had finished rebuilding what Hurricane Katrina destroyed or were close to completing repairs. Others, in Westwego and Carrollton, escaped major damage during Katrina only to see their roofs and walls implode in seconds Tuesday. An 85-year-old woman died, and at least 22 other people were taken to area hospitals.

South Louisianians have proved they are resilient people, and we will recover from this disaster as well. Officials and emergency workers in New Orleans and Jefferson Parish responded quickly to rescue the injured, and police blanketed affected areas to ensure property was protected and traffic disruptions were minimized. Utility crews began working to restore service even before the sun was up. Residents again helped neighbors clean debris and start repairs, with the roar of chainsaws heard throughout the day on the storm-damaged streets.

Local officials, however, will once again need outside help. The Federal Emergency Management Agency in particular needs to quickly address the new needs presented by Tuesday's storm. Residents who lost their temporary trailers will need them again, and soon. Businesses that were still recovering from Katrina and were hit again will need assistance as well. Private insurers also need to respond diligently and help property owners recover.

But Tuesday's storm was also a painful reminder of the particular danger faced by more than 63,000 families living in FEMA trailers across South Louisiana. Stella Chambers died from injuries suffered when a tornado tossed her trailer in Gentilly against a levee. At least 11 other trailers were severely damaged.