Bellande, Joseph E, III

Rooftop Terror: True Hurricane Katrina Story, American Couple Learns How to Survive a Natural Disaster Bellande, Joseph E, III

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.