the aftermath 2 years on

In some parts of the city, especially the poorer, low-socio economic districts, the effects of the hurricane can still be seen. The clean up process is ongoing, but with the local population not expected to regain its pre-Katrina numbers for another 70 years, it seems people just aren't around to reinvest in the area.

Only the wealthier areas can afford to repair the houses, and almost every second home is for sale. For a city of the size and renound vibrance, it's eerily noticable how quiet the streets are. Hardly any traffic or pets or many people.

Homeless people are a very visible part of the community, and have congregated in make-shift quarters beneath the highways and delapidated, abandoned buildings.

These spray paint marks were written on all houses indicate what agency went into the house, how many bodies and animals were found, the date they entered the house, and level of toxicity.

I haven't ventured too far out of the city, and being alone, everyone recommends - even the locals - not to wander in the ghetto areas. But what's startling is that the horrific damage to the physical and social infrstructure is so evident even in the CBD, even now, two years on.

Worse conditions are in the outer suburbs, but unfortunately I don't think I'll make it there. Crime is at an all time high in New Orleans, and the city has the highest homicide rate per capita in the USA.