Hurricane Katrina Flashcards
(22 cards)
When did the tropical storm develop over the Bahamas?
23rd August 2005
What significant action was taken on 26th/27th August 2005?
Warnings were put in place for Americans and an official state of emergency was announced.
What happened on 28th August 2005?
The tropical storm was upgraded to a Category 4 hurricane and later intensified to Category 5. The Mayor of New Orleans ordered an evacuation.
What occurred on 29th August 2005?
Hurricane Katrina passed over New Orleans, having been downgraded to a Category 4, causing a storm surge up to 10 m high.
What was the status of the levee system prior to Hurricane Katrina?
The old levee system was being upgraded and replaced, but was only 60-90% complete.
What were the consequences for the population after Hurricane Katrina?
Millions were left without power and water supplies.
What impact did Hurricane Katrina have on oil prices?
Oil rigs and refineries in the Gulf of Mexico were damaged, causing a global increase in oil prices.
How many people remained in New Orleans after the evacuation?
150,000 people remained, some by choice and others due to inability to evacuate.
Where were people encouraged to shelter in New Orleans?
People were encouraged to shelter in the Louisiana Superdome.
What action did the National Guard take in New Orleans?
The National Guard was deployed to tackle looting.
What financial aid was passed by the US Senate in September?
$10.5 billion in aid was assigned, followed by a further $51.8 billion.
How much was donated to the American Red Cross for recovery efforts?
$1.8 billion.
What criticism was leveled at the response to Hurricane Katrina?
Black African American residents were disproportionately affected, being less likely to evacuate and more likely to lose their homes.
What criticism did President Bush face regarding the crisis?
He was criticized for responding too slowly.
What area was most affected by Hurricane Katrina?
The city of New Orleans in Louisiana.
Where is New Orleans located?
Near the Gulf of Mexico, between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain.
What percentage of New Orleans is below sea level?
50% of the city is below sea level.
How many people became refugees due to Hurricane Katrina?
1 million people were displaced from their homes.
What percentage of New Orleans was flooded?
80% of the city was flooded.
How many houses were flooded in New Orleans?
110,000 houses were flooded, with 55,000 too damaged to be repaired.
What was the estimated death toll across the USA due to Hurricane Katrina?
At least 1,242 people died, with other estimates putting it at 1,836.
What was the financial cost of Hurricane Katrina?
The cost exceeded $200 billion, making it the most economically damaging tropical storm.
