Local Scale - New Orlean’s Flashcards
Why is it physically vulnerable
Lies in the Gulf Coast in the West Atlantic storm belt – frequent storms
50% of land below sea level (partly due to soil shrinkage because of previous flood measures)
The city is surrounded by levees creating a bowl effect – once water gets in, it can’t easily get out
Why is it vulnerable - humans
Large densely populated city (2300/km2)
History of racial segregation – wealth inequality and impoverished communities
A major port
Social reasons why it was vulnerable before the hazard
Low-income groups within the city – inequalities
Low levels of literacy and language barriers in some groups
Social reasons why they couldn’t respond effectively
Lack of confidence in government to protect them plus lack of transport and reluctance to leave uninsured homes and possessions
Key information missed, lack of understanding of evacuation plans and emergency instructions
What are the Economic reasons why it was vulnerable before the hazard?
High poverty rate
Inadequate investment in levee system
Governmental budget constraints - insufficient investment in disaster preparedness, response and recovery
What are the economic reasons why they couldn’t respond effectively?
Without the financial means to evacuate or prepare adequately.
Low-income groups less likely to be insured – long term challenges
Collapse of levees in places during the storm surge leading to extensive flooding
Slow implementation of management measures, many left vulnerable in the city
What are political reasons why they were vulnerable before the hazard?
Lack of trust in governments, reflected in low voter turnout amongst lowincome, black community
government failure to anticipate this type of disaster
What are the political reasons why they couldn’t respond effectively?
Reluctance to follow emergency instructions and seek assistance
Inadequate preparation (insufficient evacuation plans and plans to ensure emergency supplies in place) and delay in response from President Bush
