Scale of Disaster
Katrina impacted New Orleans in many different ways. Lives were lost, homes were destroyed, the environment in NOLA was diminished. New Orleans citizens were ignored by the government, and the media.
The Death toll
There were 1,833 total deaths, and 986 deaths were from Louisiana Residents. More specifically, 40% of the losses were from drowning, 25% injury and trauma, and 11% from heart conditions. Half of the victims were over the age of 75.
Number of people displaced
More than a million people were displaced on the Gulf Coast region. Many families returned home after a few days, but still 600,000 families were displaced. At hurricane shelters, their peak housed 273,000 people.
Area flooded
Approximately 80% of New Orleans was flooded. Tourists spots remained somewhat undamaged, but residential neighborhoods were impacted the most.
$ of damage
The cost from damage was about $135 billion.
Population Decrease
Population before Katrina- 484,674 (April 2000)
Population after Katrina- 230,172 (July 2006)
Recovery Funding
“Of the $120.5 billion in federal spending, the majority — approximately $75 billion — went to emergency relief, not rebuilding”
Katrina impacted New Orleans in many different ways. Lives were lost, homes were destroyed, the environment in NOLA was diminished. New Orleans citizens were ignored by the government, and the media.
The Death toll
There were 1,833 total deaths, and 986 deaths were from Louisiana Residents. More specifically, 40% of the losses were from drowning, 25% injury and trauma, and 11% from heart conditions. Half of the victims were over the age of 75.
Number of people displaced
More than a million people were displaced on the Gulf Coast region. Many families returned home after a few days, but still 600,000 families were displaced. At hurricane shelters, their peak housed 273,000 people.
Area flooded
Approximately 80% of New Orleans was flooded. Tourists spots remained somewhat undamaged, but residential neighborhoods were impacted the most.
$ of damage
The cost from damage was about $135 billion.
Population Decrease
Population before Katrina- 484,674 (April 2000)
Population after Katrina- 230,172 (July 2006)
Recovery Funding
“Of the $120.5 billion in federal spending, the majority — approximately $75 billion — went to emergency relief, not rebuilding”
Flooding
The New Orleans levees, barriers designed to protect the low lying area from floods and natural disasters, failed catastrophically during Hurricane Katrina. The levee breach began on August 29, and over the course of the floods levees breached in 50 different places. Most levees breached from overtopping but some breached from lack of structural integrity in the foundation, causing a complete and catastrophic failure. The levees all failed well below the level they were designed to withstand, mainly due to less substantial build than the initial design, done to save money.
There were 2 major levee failures at the lower 9th ward, and one major levee failure on the northeast side of the industrial canal. The 17th street canal levee breached at 4ft below the water level it was designed to handle, and the London Avenue canal breached on both sides.
The area outside of the superdome was flooded with water between 3 to 7 foot deep. The areas affected by the flood map very directly correlate to the areas of low income and poverty. Areas with low income, high minority/poverty rate were most affected while areas with higher income were less impacted.The death toll of the hurricane is well over 18 hundred mainly to flooding. More than 1 Million were displaced over the course of the storm. 600 thousand households were still displaced 1 month later.The levees around the lower 9th ward and eastern New Orleans were breached by severing the tethers connecting the concrete segments, and some were flooded with water over the top of the levee height.
The New Orleans levees, barriers designed to protect the low lying area from floods and natural disasters, failed catastrophically during Hurricane Katrina. The levee breach began on August 29, and over the course of the floods levees breached in 50 different places. Most levees breached from overtopping but some breached from lack of structural integrity in the foundation, causing a complete and catastrophic failure. The levees all failed well below the level they were designed to withstand, mainly due to less substantial build than the initial design, done to save money.
There were 2 major levee failures at the lower 9th ward, and one major levee failure on the northeast side of the industrial canal. The 17th street canal levee breached at 4ft below the water level it was designed to handle, and the London Avenue canal breached on both sides.
The area outside of the superdome was flooded with water between 3 to 7 foot deep. The areas affected by the flood map very directly correlate to the areas of low income and poverty. Areas with low income, high minority/poverty rate were most affected while areas with higher income were less impacted.The death toll of the hurricane is well over 18 hundred mainly to flooding. More than 1 Million were displaced over the course of the storm. 600 thousand households were still displaced 1 month later.The levees around the lower 9th ward and eastern New Orleans were breached by severing the tethers connecting the concrete segments, and some were flooded with water over the top of the levee height.
Shelter of Last Report
The superdome is a football stadium for the New Orleans Saints. It was chosen to be the primary shelter during Katrina. The capacity for the superdome is 74,295 people. during the hurricane, there were over 30,000 people in the arena, resulting in limited power and food. People were trapped in the superdome for about 5 days, but it felt like an eternity. Very early on, the power was lost and food ran low. The roof underwent a lot of water damage and the interior was filled with trash. Soon after, exterior layer of the roof was peeled away from the extensive amounts of water. There was a lack of supplies, representative of how unprepared the city was for the disaster. The superdome was a terrible place to live; according to the Seattle Times, “At least two people, including a child, have been raped as the arena darkened at night. At least three people have died, including one man who jumped 50 feet to his death, saying he had nothing left to live for.” There was no air conditioning and the bathrooms were littered with drugs and blood. The restrooms became inaccessible to most people, “We pee on the floor. We are like animals,” Tiffany Smith, 25, said as she cradled her 3-week-old son”. There was no sanitation and the smell was said to be overwhelming. Criminal behavior was exaggerated (looting instead of finding). The press made the superdome seem even worse than it actually was. False rape claims were made and the media exaggerated how bad it actually got. It was a reflection of how poorly Katrina was handled. The emergency generator quickly failed. The failure of the generator only worsened these issues. People who should have been treated with respect after losing everything were forced to live in misery.
The superdome is a football stadium for the New Orleans Saints. It was chosen to be the primary shelter during Katrina. The capacity for the superdome is 74,295 people. during the hurricane, there were over 30,000 people in the arena, resulting in limited power and food. People were trapped in the superdome for about 5 days, but it felt like an eternity. Very early on, the power was lost and food ran low. The roof underwent a lot of water damage and the interior was filled with trash. Soon after, exterior layer of the roof was peeled away from the extensive amounts of water. There was a lack of supplies, representative of how unprepared the city was for the disaster. The superdome was a terrible place to live; according to the Seattle Times, “At least two people, including a child, have been raped as the arena darkened at night. At least three people have died, including one man who jumped 50 feet to his death, saying he had nothing left to live for.” There was no air conditioning and the bathrooms were littered with drugs and blood. The restrooms became inaccessible to most people, “We pee on the floor. We are like animals,” Tiffany Smith, 25, said as she cradled her 3-week-old son”. There was no sanitation and the smell was said to be overwhelming. Criminal behavior was exaggerated (looting instead of finding). The press made the superdome seem even worse than it actually was. False rape claims were made and the media exaggerated how bad it actually got. It was a reflection of how poorly Katrina was handled. The emergency generator quickly failed. The failure of the generator only worsened these issues. People who should have been treated with respect after losing everything were forced to live in misery.
THE CONVENTION CENTER
The convention center is located on the banks of the Mississippi River. The convention center was used for people that couldn't get into the superdome because it went over capacity. It was picked as a last resort due to its size, The superdome was picked first and the convention center got all of the spillover. It was the second choice to the second choice.
The convention center is located on the banks of the Mississippi River. The convention center was used for people that couldn't get into the superdome because it went over capacity. It was picked as a last resort due to its size, The superdome was picked first and the convention center got all of the spillover. It was the second choice to the second choice.
People Left Behind
208,652 people were left in NOLA during Katrina, a lot of them did not stay on purpose, but had no choice. People were packed into the Louisiana Superdome, some stayed in their own homes as well.The area outside of the Superdome was flooded to a depth of three feet, and up to 20 feet in other places. Though there were several search parties like FEMA, USCG, and non governmental organizations as well, they were not very organized or on time. This caused for the coast guard to step up. They were much more successful in rescuing those left behind. Of all the neighborhoods and towns in Louisiana, Baton Rouge was overwhelmingly high in the number of people that got held back, the majority of which were black. They were constantly being told food and help was on the way. There were very many people and it was very overcrowded. In addition the weather was continuously detrimental and dangerous for the days that followed. After the rain and heavy winds came to an end there was extreme heat. People did not have air conditioning or water and little to no access to essential resources. People who were on medications or required special services were not able to receive their necessities. The people that stayed in their own homes had practically nothing; no help from outside resources and very often were stranded on their roofs.
Media Coverage
When the media covered the events that followed the storm, people of color were villainized, whereas white people were victimized. In one instance, the media described a black person ‘looting’ a grocery store. When two white people were doing the same thing, the media coverage explained that they simply found the items they had. Misinformation across the media made things worse for survivors. Media overreacted which prompted others, like officials, to overreact as well and the whole situation became more inflated.
People were turned away at the Gretna Bridge
Additionally, a group of people trying to evacuate were turned away at the Gretna bridge. Sheriffs lined the bridge, and fired above the heads of evacuees. The people were told there would be no superdome waiting for them and that they could not evacuate via the Gretna bridge.
When the media covered the events that followed the storm, people of color were villainized, whereas white people were victimized. In one instance, the media described a black person ‘looting’ a grocery store. When two white people were doing the same thing, the media coverage explained that they simply found the items they had. Misinformation across the media made things worse for survivors. Media overreacted which prompted others, like officials, to overreact as well and the whole situation became more inflated.
People were turned away at the Gretna Bridge
Additionally, a group of people trying to evacuate were turned away at the Gretna bridge. Sheriffs lined the bridge, and fired above the heads of evacuees. The people were told there would be no superdome waiting for them and that they could not evacuate via the Gretna bridge.
Martial Law
Authorities response to the aftermath of Katrina was nothing but destructive. The excuse made by many “we have the authority by martial law”. Since looters dominated the media, they were targeted harshly by the police. In a mission defined as “securing neighborhoods”, a 1,500-member police force was ordered to abandon search and rescue missions and turn its attention to what they called “wide-spread looting”. This “wide-spread looting” was extremely exaggerated by the media and demonized citizens extensively.
These police officers showed up to areas of New Orleans armed with assault rifles, guns strapped to their legs, and pockets full of ammo. Often times areas that didn’t report looting were over-policed and had armed forces everywhere.
Authorities response to the aftermath of Katrina was nothing but destructive. The excuse made by many “we have the authority by martial law”. Since looters dominated the media, they were targeted harshly by the police. In a mission defined as “securing neighborhoods”, a 1,500-member police force was ordered to abandon search and rescue missions and turn its attention to what they called “wide-spread looting”. This “wide-spread looting” was extremely exaggerated by the media and demonized citizens extensively.
These police officers showed up to areas of New Orleans armed with assault rifles, guns strapped to their legs, and pockets full of ammo. Often times areas that didn’t report looting were over-policed and had armed forces everywhere.
Specifically in Gretna, Louisiana, not far NOLA, survivors that were displaced and dehydrated sought safety over the Mississippi bridge. Instead of facing relief, they were immediately turned back at gunpoint by cops through roadblocks, who yelled things at survivors like “go to hell”.
And as if it couldn't get worse, a temporary jail known as “Camp Greyhound” was built instead of taking the time to rescue those dying on rooftops. Placing people in police custody and was clearly a top priority over saving everyday citizens.
And as if it couldn't get worse, a temporary jail known as “Camp Greyhound” was built instead of taking the time to rescue those dying on rooftops. Placing people in police custody and was clearly a top priority over saving everyday citizens.
Public Health Emergency
There was a large public health emergency in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. The unavoidable living conditions spread disease, enabled trauma, and disadvantaged thousands of people.
Displacement
Displacements affected the mental and physical state of people. Americans aren’t necessarily used to massive disruptions like the one that Katrina caused. Tens of thousands of people were displaced from their homes, their jobs, many without power, communication, adequate food and water, and so on. Adding to the stress and discomfort is the sense that they don't know how long they will be displaced or even where they will be living. Without electricity, water pumps and water waste treatments were not able to function. Flood waters also overflowed the sewage system, which contaminated the flood
waters. The lack of drinking water, sanitation, and the presence of closed quarters in shelters gave opportunity for diseases to spread like cholera and E. coli. Excess standing water from floods became a breeding ground for insects. With there being more mosquitos, there was a higher chance for developments of West Nile Virus.
Emotional Fallout from Katrina
Katrina was truly traumatizing for many people. Cheryl Person, MD, suggests that “that many who lived through Katrina and its aftermath could experience distress levels comparable to those of the December 2004 tsunami victims. And that means a good number of people will be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)”. She adds that, “ Survivors of Katrina must therefore be on the lookout for such hallmarks of PTSD as intrusive thoughts and memories, nightmares, flashbacks, dissociation (numbing), insomnia and hypervigilance.”
Toxic Contaminants
A large, logical concern that many people had was regarding what contaminants were in the water. The waist deep waters brought risks of carbon monoxide poisoning when people attempted to run portable generators in their homes. Biological infectious agents became a concern as well because of the increased occupancy of water-damaged dwellings. Water damage brought risks like mold exposure.
Environmental Impact
The environmental impact of Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans was detrimental. Many issues arose, such as the flood waters becoming toxic. There were reports that people entered their homes in hopes of recovering belongings, but returned to find their homes underwater. For most people, the water was waist high, or even as high as their shoulders. This water became filled with highly toxic particles that were being lifted and carried all throughout the storm surge. The contaminated water was traveling through people’s homes, carrying toxic waste with it. Nonetheless, when this water all eventually evaporated, toxic sediments were left behind, being blown up and around by wind. People who reside in these areas were forced to suffer the consequences, developing rashes on their skin due to contaminated water, and breathing in toxic particles. Additionally there have been findings where these toxic sediments wound up in bottoms of rivers, lakes, and streams. When these hotspots are “stirred up” the toxic chemicals become redistributed throughout the bodies of water, eventually landing near coastal communities. For future storms and storm surges, these chemicals were brought back into coastal communities.
In addition, there were spills of oil and petroleum. There were 575 reported Katrina-related spills in New Orleans. There were 11 oil spills that released 7 million gallons of oil. Portions of this oil were cleaned, although most of it was not.
Furthermore, ecosystems were destroyed. Storm surges expanded areas of erosion. The salinity of the Gulf waters killed of vegetation of freshwater wetlands. Katrina devastated the coastal lines of New Orleans, and the storm surge lasted for a few hours. This damage was extended afterwards by Hurricane Rita, which happened about 3 weeks after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Rita’s storm surges and waves lasted for much longer and extended on for many hours. This extended time caused the wetlands to marinate in brine.
The environmental impact of Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans was detrimental. Many issues arose, such as the flood waters becoming toxic. There were reports that people entered their homes in hopes of recovering belongings, but returned to find their homes underwater. For most people, the water was waist high, or even as high as their shoulders. This water became filled with highly toxic particles that were being lifted and carried all throughout the storm surge. The contaminated water was traveling through people’s homes, carrying toxic waste with it. Nonetheless, when this water all eventually evaporated, toxic sediments were left behind, being blown up and around by wind. People who reside in these areas were forced to suffer the consequences, developing rashes on their skin due to contaminated water, and breathing in toxic particles. Additionally there have been findings where these toxic sediments wound up in bottoms of rivers, lakes, and streams. When these hotspots are “stirred up” the toxic chemicals become redistributed throughout the bodies of water, eventually landing near coastal communities. For future storms and storm surges, these chemicals were brought back into coastal communities.
In addition, there were spills of oil and petroleum. There were 575 reported Katrina-related spills in New Orleans. There were 11 oil spills that released 7 million gallons of oil. Portions of this oil were cleaned, although most of it was not.
Furthermore, ecosystems were destroyed. Storm surges expanded areas of erosion. The salinity of the Gulf waters killed of vegetation of freshwater wetlands. Katrina devastated the coastal lines of New Orleans, and the storm surge lasted for a few hours. This damage was extended afterwards by Hurricane Rita, which happened about 3 weeks after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Rita’s storm surges and waves lasted for much longer and extended on for many hours. This extended time caused the wetlands to marinate in brine.