Case study 26: Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, USA

Question 1

How was hurricane Katrina created?

Answer 1

Tropical depression 10 reacted with a tropical wave creating a tropical storm near the south of the Bahamas..
Tropical storm rising in the Caribbean was name Katrina.
It grew in size until it hit New Orleans, were it was at a category 5 hurricane (highest).

Question 2

What were the social impacts of Hurricane Katrina?

Answer 2

1836 deaths
1 million homeless
People sought refuge in the Superdome stadium, where conditions were unhygienic.

Question 3

What were the economic impacts of Hurricane Katrina?

Answer 3

Nearly everyone in New Orleans became unemployed
Estimated total impact of US$150 billion.
Imports from the Gulf of Mexico were reduced.

Question 4

What were the impacts of Hurricane Katrina? (other)

Answer 4

Communication networks failed
1.7 million lost electricity
80% of city underwater

Question 5

What were the responses to Hurricane Katrina?

Answer 5

National Guard was mobilized in order to maintain order
$50 billion was given by the government.
UK sent food during the recovery.