moving to the coast
Our four person team is moving south toward the MS coast stopping to assist and assess library and museum damage. Damage and loss is progressively greater as we approach the coast and reports of whole collection loss at the coast is indicated. This morning tornados from the Rita bands are occuring in southern MS.
Sunday, 26 September, 2005
From Biloxi on the MS coast
Relayed via phone conversation to Joyce, Coralville
At the coast the conservation team has yet to see any surviving library archives. The Maritime Museum at Biloxi was obliterated and debris spread for blocks. Storm winds brought tornado like devestation, leaving no structures standing. Recent storm surge from Rita swept six miles inland via the water courses.
Gary spoke from a field, viewing a 19th century bottle which had been lifted into the air and scattered by the wind. Significant sites are secured by
police to prevent looting. Continuing along the MS coast tomorrow.