1. In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the
State of Florida began to support and assume
emergency management responsibilities for the 6
southern counties of Mississippi.
These few slides provide an indication of damage
encountered 7 days after landfall to support ESF 6
(Mass Care, Human Services) around the City of
Pearlington located in Hancock County MS.
Search and Rescue teams had already been through
the area and our team (13 individuals from
Hillsborough, Okaloosa, and Walton counties) was
tasked to follow-up with any survivors in the area and
identify any immediate food and sheltering needs.

2. Pearlington, MS
Stennis Space Center
(Florida Area Command is Housed)

3. View from road. No idea as to if the all of the cars started here or if this is where they all ended up.
1. Power line obstructing access to property and damaging trees and cars.
2. Cars had mud and sediment up to dashboards.
1.
2.

4. 1. Barbie-style mannequin head for combing and styling caught on nail.
2. Baby doll with hair stuck in attic vent.
1.
2.

5. View of ground directly in front of house and objects trapped in 6” – 1’ of mud…very slippery and
deeper in many places…broken tree limbs were most stable way to move around on property.
1. Stuffed animal.
2. Barbie doll.
3. Physics text book.
1.
2.
3.

6. Interior of house and miscellaneous contents.
1. Headboard of a bed.
2. File cabinet.
2.
1.

7. Side of house.

8. We even found a bit of Tampa in Pearlington, MS.
Unfortunately, the house on the right is missing its foundation which is to the left of the truck.

11. Debris is already taller than a person and it hasn’t been piled together yet. Power lines also
entangled in this debris.

12. This is one of three structures that are identifiable on this street where approximately 30 homes
once stood.

13. Trees, power lines, and debris from former houses intertwine to form a wall along the road.
Surprisingly, a gas cylinder and boat appear intact.

14. Sheets tied together form an escape route at this residence. There were stories from other
residents about clinging to the roof while water flowed past them.

15. Water mark on Interstate 10, which is about 5 to 6 miles inland at this point.

16. Mud, mud everywhere. You’ll see a mobile home in the back which appears to be elevated very
high. There was no way to get any closer to check on it or any residents though.

17. First thoughts upon arriving…
• Never heard anything so quiet…no wildlife moving about, no wind rustling
trees, no power lines humming, no cars, rarely a voice to be heard
• The one remaining community structure was an elementary school at the top
of a hill…it had a water line across the backboard (10+ feet in the air)…wish I
was able to find the pictures.
• The survivors we did encounter near their destroyed homes were
despondent, confused, and worried about pets and family.
• Camps were forming in random places as survivors huddled together in
groups considering whether to finally go to a shelter or stay near homes.
Final thoughts upon leaving…
• Grateful that we never came across any deceased or maimed individuals.
One of the other teams did come across a body that was then removed.
• A Point of Distribution (POD) was set up at the elementary school during the
week.
• Although people were beginning to get their bearings back when they visited
the POD, most were still trying to get any sense of normalcy…particularly
hard to talk to those with pets that were dying due to malnutrition or injuries
from the event itself.
• Thankful for all of the support…food, shelter, leadership everywhere.
• Unforgettable experience.