Case study: Hurricane Katrina Flashcards
(35 cards)
How intense was the storm in comparison to others?
The 5th most intense Atlantic hurricane on record in one of the most active hurricane seasons ever recorded in the Atlantic.
What were the main hazards?
• Initial damage to people and property was due to high winds and rainfall as the storm passed.
• A storm surge followed resulting in widespread flooding (made far worse by the failure of the levees)
How much of the land is below sea level?
50%
What was the problem with the levees?
System of levees not constructed to modern standards and had not been well maintained. As the storm struck the levees broke causing water from adjacent lakes to flood the city.
How many didn’t evacuate?
Around 150,000 remained, mainly poorer citizens, mostly by choice or due to a lack of resources.
How many people died because of the storm?
1,836 - mainly in New Orleans
How many became refugees?
More than 1 million people, displaced from their homes. 75% stayed within 400kms of their homes.
How much of New Orleans was flooded?
80%, including 60% of houses (around half of which were too damaged to repair).
How many people were left without power
5 million
What was the impact at the coast?
Breeding grounds for marine mammals, brown pelicans, turtles and fish were lost.
Substantial beach erosion.
Impact on oil
Oil prices shot up
What did looters do?
Ransack empty homes, although the scale of the problem was exaggerated by the media resulting in federal services (e.g. National Guard) focused on law and order rather than on rescue and supporting those in need.
How did insurance help/how was insurance impacted?
• Many businesses affected, although most were adequately insured so were able to recover afterwards (community risk sharing).
• However, as a result, insurance companies issued profit warnings and raised premiums
What was the total cost in damage?
The financial cost of the storm broke all US records - damages of around $125 billion
Longer term social consequence of Katrina
• Emigration. The total population declined by 30% over the next decade. It was still not recovered to 2000 levels.
Where did most of the management and aid come from? Who specifically coordinated the response?
• The USA
• The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) helped coordinate and organise the response.
Which other countries/charities helped?
• Kuwait gave $500 million.
• India sent tarpaulins, blankets, and hygiene kits.
• The public donated $1.8 billion to the American Red Cross
alone.
What happened at the Superdome?
The New Orleans Superdome was used as a sanctuary for people fleeing the hazard but could not cope with the numbers that arrived, and so conditions quickly became squalid and unsafe
How much was spent rebuilding flood defences?
The US has spent over $800 million on rebuilding flood defences. 220 miles of flood walls and levees were strengthened or replaced to reduce the risk of flooding
What was the response to damaged homes?
• Congress provided $17 billion to rebuild damaged housing and infrastructure.
• FEMA arranged over 10,000 homes to be leased to displaced families
What was the response to damage to oil industry?
All damaged oil and gas facilities has been repaired or replaced.
What else was funding provided for?
• Pumping out floodwater and reconstruction of roads and bridges.
• Environmental clean up operations
What evidence suggests that recovery was limited in some areas?
Low-income housing in some areas has not been replaced or rebuilt and some buildings remain abandoned.
When was a state of emergency declared?
August 27, 2005, for Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi.
