By Sarah-Michelle Buffy Gage
Supply chains struggling
After our previous article highlighting supply chain problems throughout the state, ((https://news.thecrackden.com/2023/08/hurricane-season-supply-chain-problems-reported/)) further shortages have been reported and many Hathian, Columtreal and Laveau businesses are struggling to hold their stocks at normal levels.
Fuel thieves targeting cars and depots
Particularly worrying is the difficulty in maintaining supplies in fuel. Gas stations in the parishes are stated to be low on stocks and prices are starting to increase dramatically. Fuel thieves have been reported, sucking gasoline from parked cars and even going direct to gas tanks.
Medical supplies at risk
Also causing alarm are the ability to maintain key services; two clinics at Columtreal University and Port Laveau have reported a lack of essential items such as bandages, birth control, syringes and blood supplies. Many of the regions stores were kept at Hathian General Hospital before it was destroyed and whilst the hospital is being rebuilt, most of its stock has been lost.
CU Clinic has stated further supplies have been ordered and they hope to see the expected deliveries soon.
The official message is “stay calm”
Those of us who have lived in the South are used to tumultuous weather especially as summer comes to an end.
The most notable was when hurricane Katrina devastated Hathian and completely trashed Laveau, and examples of the power of Katrina’s destruction can still be seen in both townships today. This summers extreme heat which some say is due to climate change, as well as rising sea temperatures could make the coming hurricane season one of the worst on record.
The message from the authorities however is “DO NOT PANIC” and that supplies are often in demand when a busy storm season is predicted, so don’t panic buy.
If we all remain calm normal supply lines should be restored before any potential bad weather starts.
