Impact of Hurricane Katrina

1
Impact of Hurricane Katrina

• Hurricane Katrina was a Category 4 storm.
• Hit the Gulf Coast on Monday, Aug. 29.
• Winds of 140 miles per hour.
• Rain was 8 to 10 inches.

2
Huge Area Affected

• Large area of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama
  affected.
• Hundreds of thousands of people are homeless.
• Hundreds (maybe thousands) are dead.
• Cost of rebuilding will be well above the 25
  billion that Hurricane Andrew cost in 1992.

3
History of New Orleans

• The French settled New Orleans in 1718 and named
  it after the French town of Orleans.
• Important port on the Gulf of Mexico.
• Connects Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico.

4
Culture of New Orleans

• Famous for Mardi Gras celebration right before
  the start of Lent.
• Recognized as the birthplace of jazz music.
• Known for its laid back atmosphere.

5
New Orleans vs. Wyckoff
6
Evacuation Was Not 100

• Mayor said evacuate, but an estimated 100,000
  people didnt go.
• Many poor people did not own cars.
• Many people had survived hurricanes in the past
  and were reluctant to leave.
• No coordinated evacuation effort with buses,
  helicopters, or planes.
• SuperDome was offered as a shelter.

7
Incredible Devastation

• Pictures illustrate the destruction better than
  words can.
• http//www.weather.com
• http//www.msnbc.com

8
How can we help?

• Volunteers from around the country are helping
  look for survivors.
• Shelters for housing people have been set up in
  Texas and as far away as Cape Cod.
• Millions of dollars are being donated to the Red
  Cross and to a foundation headed by former
  Presidents Clinton and Bush at www.bushclintonkatr
  inafund.org.

9
What is the latest news?

• Federal government is giving each family 2,000
  debit card.
• Rescue effort is costing 2 billion every day.
  Congress is set to approve 50 billion, but will
  probably need more.
• Prices for natural gas will be 71 higher this
  winter than last year. Heating oil will be 31
  more expensive.
• New Orleans mayor is promising to get everyone
  out of the city whether they want to go or not.
• Concern is growing about bacteria and pollution
  in the floodwater, which could cause disease.