Remembering Hurricane Katrina and waiting out Isaac
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A local couple who lived through the destruction of Hurricane Katrina tells us their story and worries for family still in the path of Isaac. Video by IdahoOnYourSide.com
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The video out of New Orleans is sometimes surreal for those of us thousands of miles away.
The seventh anniversary of Hurricane Katrina fell on August 29, the same day Hurricane Isaac continued to batter New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.
Rich and Sue Mahoney lived through Hurricane Katrina. Now, they monitor their family in Louisiana from their couch in Boise.
Rich has strong feelings about being so far from home. He said, “It’s a little bit of guilt and it’s remorse that we’re here while they’re going through what they’re going through.”
The Mahoneys spent much of the week monitoring the situation in Louisiana and praying their family made it through Hurricane Isaac safely.
As the Mahoney’s followed Hurricane Isaac on its track towards New Orleans, they found a port in the storm.
Sue said, “It was so nice to be able to see Scott educating the people, and it was all accurate information.”
The storm knocked out power and phone lines, causing many tense moments for the couple.
Sue had trouble reaching her mother. She said, “I’ve been trying to reach my mother all afternoon. Her electricity is out so her phone doesn’t work.”
Finally, Sue received a text message that her mother made it through the storm, but Sue’s mom isn’t the only family member the Mahoneys have in Louisiana.
Rich’s father is there, as is his son.
While Rich’s son weathered Hurricane Isaac, he evacuated for Hurricane Katrina, but Rich and Sue weathered that storm.
Rich said, “My wife and I decided to stay and ride out Katrina.”
It’s an experience the Mahoneys never want to relive, but they realize why people make the decision.
According to Sue, “The smart thing to do is leave, but it’s so hard when you know if you stay, you could save your house.”
The Mahoneys moved to Boise 10 months ago, but their home clearly shows where their hearts are.
While they love it here in Boise, Rich says it really hurts when people ask why anyone would live in a city that’s 10 feet below sea level.
Rich’s answer is simple. “Because it’s home. It’s home.”
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