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Rooftop Terror: True Hurricane Katrina Story, American Couple Learns How to Survive a Natural Disaster
In late August 2005, authorities in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, read the warning signs and instructed residents to leave ahead of the approaching storm known as Hurricane Katrina—and most people did as they were told.
But for a few stalwarts, including Joseph Bellande and his wife, Linda, fleeing with their lives wasn’t the obvious choice. With a sophisticated disaster preparedness plan and plenty of experience with hurricanes and tropical storms, Joseph and Linda decided to shelter in place at their St. Bernard Parish home just outside of New Orleans.
This decision proves nearly fatal, however, and leaves the Bellandes weathering Hurricane Katrina while tethered to the roof of the house, just fighting to survive.
It is the early morning hours of August 30th when Joseph realizes that no one is coming to rescue them. So along with their son, the Bellande family decides to try to save themselves by climbing into a boat and taking their chances against the great storm.
True Hurricane Katrina Story tells the harrowing tale of the Bellande family’s fight to survive against the odds during one of the nation’s deadliest natural disasters.
But for a few stalwarts, including Joseph Bellande and his wife, Linda, fleeing with their lives wasn’t the obvious choice. With a sophisticated disaster preparedness plan and plenty of experience with hurricanes and tropical storms, Joseph and Linda decided to shelter in place at their St. Bernard Parish home just outside of New Orleans.
This decision proves nearly fatal, however, and leaves the Bellandes weathering Hurricane Katrina while tethered to the roof of the house, just fighting to survive.
It is the early morning hours of August 30th when Joseph realizes that no one is coming to rescue them. So along with their son, the Bellande family decides to try to save themselves by climbing into a boat and taking their chances against the great storm.
True Hurricane Katrina Story tells the harrowing tale of the Bellande family’s fight to survive against the odds during one of the nation’s deadliest natural disasters.
183 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2015
43 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 26, 2020
Wow!
One of the most incredible survival stories I’ve ever read. I live on the Gulf Coast too and we’ll understand the terror of a hurricane. Hurricane Ivan demolished this place in 2004. The trees that survived still show the severe damage. Was it odd? Or was it God? We survived with absolutely no damage to our house. FEMA came to inspect and said we were were among the two percent that made it through with no damage.
Angels among us. They can take on the image of a man with a chainsaw when one is desperately needed. The tug boat crew members weren’t necessary angels, but they were Christians. What are the odds? God was with you, and He always will be, just a prayer away. Thank you for this wonderful story.
One of the most incredible survival stories I’ve ever read. I live on the Gulf Coast too and we’ll understand the terror of a hurricane. Hurricane Ivan demolished this place in 2004. The trees that survived still show the severe damage. Was it odd? Or was it God? We survived with absolutely no damage to our house. FEMA came to inspect and said we were were among the two percent that made it through with no damage.
Angels among us. They can take on the image of a man with a chainsaw when one is desperately needed. The tug boat crew members weren’t necessary angels, but they were Christians. What are the odds? God was with you, and He always will be, just a prayer away. Thank you for this wonderful story.
March 2, 2021
Inside Hurricane Katrina Experience
What it was like from inside of Hurricane Katrina. The reality of what it actually was like inside that gigantic hurricane fighting to survive, and what the immediate aftermath was like.
I found this book very interesting and enlightening . It showed me that it was so much worse than even the news reports at that time indicated.
The only somewhat negative thing I can say is the author apparently never met a cliche he didn't like , and he found a place to use them all! Think of a cliche and you'll find it somewhere in this book. Other than that, This is a worthwhile Book to read.
What it was like from inside of Hurricane Katrina. The reality of what it actually was like inside that gigantic hurricane fighting to survive, and what the immediate aftermath was like.
I found this book very interesting and enlightening . It showed me that it was so much worse than even the news reports at that time indicated.
The only somewhat negative thing I can say is the author apparently never met a cliche he didn't like , and he found a place to use them all! Think of a cliche and you'll find it somewhere in this book. Other than that, This is a worthwhile Book to read.
January 20, 2021
Wow
I am an avid reader,I read everything. I watched the events unfold in TV. I live in Chicago and the turmoil that you and your wife suffered through,I cannot imagine. I witnessed how long it took the government to respond to the citizens of Louisiana. But you kept the faith and witnessed God work. Wow. Thank you for this book. I'm sorry for what you want through,but your story needed to be told. I will highly recommend this book to all who ask. " What are you reading? "
I am an avid reader,I read everything. I watched the events unfold in TV. I live in Chicago and the turmoil that you and your wife suffered through,I cannot imagine. I witnessed how long it took the government to respond to the citizens of Louisiana. But you kept the faith and witnessed God work. Wow. Thank you for this book. I'm sorry for what you want through,but your story needed to be told. I will highly recommend this book to all who ask. " What are you reading? "
February 5, 2018
Amazing and sobering story about the tragic hit from hurricane Katrina
Pretty fast paced book. Filled with either amazing miracle like moments or truly or horrific moments. Highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about hurricane Katrina and it's impact.
Pretty fast paced book. Filled with either amazing miracle like moments or truly or horrific moments. Highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about hurricane Katrina and it's impact.
May 1, 2023
I love a good memoir and this one did not disappoint. It starts off slow, but once the storm hits it picks up rapidly and is a very captivating story. This is my first Katrina memoir and I found myself teary eyed at the end once they finally were rescued. I hope they’ve since regained all they lost and much more. God bless.
June 27, 2020
Good Story From a Different Perspective
The language used took some adjustments but the overall story was insightful. Finished the book in one day. Wish a little more was said on the aftermath
The language used took some adjustments but the overall story was insightful. Finished the book in one day. Wish a little more was said on the aftermath
February 12, 2025
This is such a phenomenal true story telling of an event so absurd it feels like fiction. The overall writing and development of events keeps you on the edge of your seat and leaves you with a deeper understanding of the turmoil so many American families underwent when hurricane Katrina hit.
September 11, 2018
Amazing
It was amazing to read the story of being a Hurricane Katrina survivor! Well written. I would recommend this book of you like true life survivor stories.
It was amazing to read the story of being a Hurricane Katrina survivor! Well written. I would recommend this book of you like true life survivor stories.
March 23, 2020
Worth the read
Enjoyed his writing. Thank God they made it out. Makes one realize how small we are in the scheme of things
Enjoyed his writing. Thank God they made it out. Makes one realize how small we are in the scheme of things
August 3, 2020
Very interesting read.
Couldn't put tho book down.the story of how they survived such a tragic event is heart wrenching. A must read.
Couldn't put tho book down.the story of how they survived such a tragic event is heart wrenching. A must read.
August 17, 2022
Good book. Wish the author would have told more about the after math.
October 18, 2019
After reading, "Rooftop Terror", by Joseph Bellande, one has to take Hurricane's very seriously! The author writes about the near death experience he and his wife had with Hurricane Katrina. For some reason, Joseph Bellande, refused to evacuate. He thought that he and his wife could ride out the storm. Most of his neighbors did evacuate. The one thing, I as a reader, have learned is Hurricane's can be very unpredictable! The second lesson is ,prepare for the worst and hope for the best." Rooftop Terror," did keep my interest at all times. As a reader, I felt the terror that was Hurricane Katrina through the author's writing. In conclusion, if one is told to evacuate don't hesitate to do so!
October 5, 2016
Very good!
What a remarkable story. Faith and determination saved the day. It is hard to imagine everything the family went through but survived nonetheless.
What a remarkable story. Faith and determination saved the day. It is hard to imagine everything the family went through but survived nonetheless.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews