Case study: Hurricane Katrina 2005

The path of Hurricane Katrina

Impacts

• Katrina was a category 4 storm.
• Storm surges reached over 6 metres in height.
• New Orleans was one of the worst affected areas as it is below sea level, and protected by leveeslevee: Levees are ridges formed by deposits of alluvium left behind by the periodic flooding of rivers.. The defences were unable to cope with the strength of Katrina.
• Despite an evacuation order, many of the poorest people remained in the city.
• People sought refuge in the Superdome stadium. However conditions were unhygienic, and there was a shortage of food and water. Lootinglooting: Looting is a term which refers to stealing from unguarded homes or businesses. was commonplace throughout the city. Tension was high and many felt vulnerable and unsafe.
• 1 million people were made homeless and about 1200 people drowned in the floods.
• Oil facilities were damaged and as a result petrol prices rose in the UK and USA.

Responses

Flooding caused by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans 2005

There was much criticism of the authorities for their handling of the disaster.

Although many people were evacuated, it was a slow process and the poorest and most vulnerable were left behind.

$50 billion in aid was given by the government.

The UK government sent food aid during the early stages of the recovery process.

The National Guard was mobilised to restore and maintain law and order in what became a hostile and unsafe living environment.