Ed Bush, formerly with the Louisiana National Guard and now with the American Red Cross, reflects on his experience inside the Superdome during Hurricane Katrina, where he was among the last to leave. Initially serving as deputy public affairs officer, Bush was tasked with coordinating media coverage and communicating the Guard’s efforts. When the Superdome was designated as a shelter of last resort, Bush was dropped off to assist with screening and organizing the influx of evacuees.

The shelter quickly filled beyond capacity, peaking at over 50,000 people. Initial plans to keep people in designated areas were abandoned as conditions worsened. With no running water, limited sanitation, and unbearable air quality, the situation became dire. Despite this, Bush witnessed extraordinary acts of compassion and resilience among evacuees, describing it as “the best of times and the worst of times.”

Bush also addressed misconceptions fueled by sensational media coverage. While the Dome was portrayed as chaotic and dangerous, he emphasized that the reality was more nuanced. Only five deaths occurred—one overdose, one suicide, and three from natural causes—while eight babies were born, a fact he uses to counter exaggerated reports of violence and crime. He shared a story of community justice, where evacuees themselves intervened to protect others, reinforcing the strength and solidarity within the Dome.

Bush continues to work in disaster response, believing Katrina shaped his identity and purpose. He sees value in revisiting the story—not to relive trauma, but to honor the truth and the people who endured it. His reflections highlight the complexity of disaster narratives and the importance of telling the full story, not just the most shocking parts.

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