Solutions to the problem of reconnecting people after upheavals....

At the time of Katrina, the following came to my attention. Searching Google for "Katrina survivors" started me down the trail which lead to....

The American Red Cross is promoting the following...

http://www.familylinks.icrc.org/katrina

Look good:

http://wx.gulfcoastnews.com/katrina/status.aspx

... and...

http://www.publicpeoplelocator.com/

The two above allow entry by name, have search capabilities, login not required. They do allow users to post phone numbers, etc... not necessarily a good idea? Something like "Safe at Aunt Ida's" will tell your friends a) it is you, b) where you are... without telling the wrong people things you might want to keep private?

Another to consider is....

http://www.createforum.com/phpbb/index.php?mforum=katrinasurvivor

Another, more extensive list of links is at...

http://www.packrat-pro.com/katrina.htm

CNN.com is posting the names of those who wish to let loved ones know they are all right after the storm. If you were in Katrina's path and want to post your name here, please send an e-mail to the Hurricane Victims Desk. For each person you are reporting for the list, include first and last name, age, hometown, state and a brief status message. You may also include a phone number or e-mail address where those on the list may be reached. The contact information will not be published on our website.

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2005/hurricanes/list/

Supported by IBM...

http://www.publiccomment.com/

Yahoo has special "Katrina finder" boards, including boards for helping people find/ return pets.

http://boards.news.yahoo.com/boards/

Taxpayers are paying for the following...

http://www.firstgov.gov/Citizen/Topics/PublicSafety/Hurricane_Katrina_Recovery.shtml

(Why does the US think it deservers the name "FirstGov" under the .gov domain? Does Bush's arrogance know no bounds??)