Satellite flood pictures

Thanks to the good folks at MSNBC, there are finally some online flyover images we can zoom in on and get an idea of what is waiting for us. Here is Chateau Danneel, our rental property:

BEFORE THE STORM

AFTER THE STORM


It's looks like it's denuded of trees, but otherwise in pretty good shape. We know from the NOAA flooding data that this block did not flood at all.

On the other hand, here is TOH:

BEFORE THE STORM

AFTER THE STORM


These were taking on 9/11, over a week after the storm, so the flooding is actually lower than it started out. There's a lot of water and some pretty significant roof damage. NOAA tells us the flood depth there was over six feet. If you look at the picture of the front of the house in my profile, you'll see Mr. Nola standing out front - he's about 5'8. So the water was very likely in the main floor of the house.

Standing water on the main floor of the house for over a week means everything - the floors, walls, electrical, HVAC - is shot. I'm not clear on whether or not the wood pier and beam foundation is done for as well. We just have to wait and see if HUD gives us a red tag - condemned - or a yellow tag - damaged but salvageable. Neither is all that appealing. It was really a beautiful house.

Our neighborhood is actually open to residents next week, but we don't plan to return for a while. Stella has medical issues that put her more at risk from mold and pollutants than most people. Although the apartment in River Ridge is okay, it has less to offer than Houston does at the moment.