case study - hurricane katrina

when did it happen

2005

what 3 cities are regularly impacted by hurricanes

new orleans

miami

sometimes even new york

what chance is there that florida will get a hurricane each year

22%

what is the purpose of the national hurricane centre in miami

issue forecasts and warnings about hazardous weather

educate people about tropical cyclones

what were 4 problems with mitigation and preperation for the hurricane

levees and flood defences were old and poorly maintained - failed in multiple places

levees were only made to handle category 3 storms - katrina reached category 5

emergency plans weren’t well communicated or clear and fema underestimated the storm

poorer communities didn’t have access to cars to evacuate - over 100,000 people couldn’t leave

what were 4 problems with response and recovery for the hurricane

government was criticised for racial and class inequality - rebuilding in poorer areas was slow

emergency services were unsatisfactory - looting + violence broke out due to poor law enforcement

thousands were stuck in the superdome stadium - overcrowded and unsanitary conditions

poor communication and coordination between local, state and federal government agencies

what were 3 preparation and mitigation strategies used

hurricane was tracked for days before landfall using satellites - gave 3 days warning

warnings broadcasted on tv and radio - most people have access to media + phones

mandatory evacuation saved thousands of lives

what were 4 response and recovery strategies used

$15 billion was spent on upgrading levees and flood defences to handle category 5 storms

over 70 countries offered support - canada uk and mexico provided emergency relief

charities distributed food, water and hygiene kits - e.g. red cross and oxfam

insurance and $110 billion of federal aid helped with rebuilding and other support

what were 2 social impacts

1833 people died - mostly from drowning in floods after the levees failed

1.2 million people were displaced - some lived in trailers and shelters for months

what were 2 economic impacts

$125 billion in damages to infrastructure and flooding

many people lost jobs and businesses were forced to permanently close - especially small local shops

what were 2 environmental impacts

floodwater contaminated with sewage, oil and chemicals - lead to long-term soil + water pollution

coastal wetlands and marshes were severely eroded as they acted as a natural buffer

what category was it

category 5 but 3 when at landfall