Case Study: Hurricane Katrina (Cyclone in an MEDC)

Question 1

Causes of Hurricane Katrina

Answer 1

1) 23 August: tropical depression formed off south-eastern Bahamas with ocean temperatures over 27°C and the water over 60m deep.
2) 24 August: Upgraded to tropical storm named Katrina.
3) 25 August: Strengthened to become a hurricane and neared florida coast.
4) 28 August: Becomes a category 5 hurricane, with maximum winds of 282 kph

Question 2

Effects of Hurricane Katrina

Answer 2

• 1863 deaths (most from drowning in floodwaters due to storm surge)
• Roads in and out of the city damaged, aid couldn’t get in
• Extreme winds and storm surge destroyed buildings, over 10,000 people made homeless.