Hazards - Hurricane Katrina Flashcards
What date did Hurricane Katrina hit landfall?
29th August 2005
What percentage of levees were built before Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans?
60-90%
How was New Orleans prepared for Hurricane Katrina?
- National Geographic ran an article 12 months before the storm (risk assessments carried out).
- 26th Aug: Advance warnings in force - possibility of unprecedented cataclysm considered.
- 27th Aug: State of emergency declared in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi.
- Evacuation plan drawn up 19 hours before landfall.
Where was a state of emergency declared 2 days before Hurricane Katrina?
Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi
How many people chose to remain in New Orleans before Hurricane Katrina?
150,000
What was the main city affected by Hurricane Katrina?
New Orleans
What area in km2 was declared a disaster zone following Hurricane Katrina?
233,000 (size of UK)
What percentage of New Orleans was deluged by flood water after flood defences were breached by Hurricane Katrina?
80%
How many people became refugees as a result of Hurricane Katrina?
1 million
What was the total economic cost caused by Hurricane Katrina?
$200 billion
How many deaths were caused by Hurricane Katrina?
1242
What was the response to looting in New Orleans as a result of Hurricane Katrina?
Deployment of the National Guard
How many people were left without power as a result of Hurricane Katrina?
5 million
How many months did it take to reconnect everyone to power following Hurricane Katrina?
2 months
How much money in US dollars was donated to the US Red Cross?
$1.8 billion
Who was criticised for being slow to visit the area affected by Hurricane Katrina?
George Bush
How much did the price of petrol in the UK hit as a result of the oil rigs in the Gulf being damaged by Hurricane Katrina?
£1 per litre
What was the max wind speed in miles per hour recorded by Hurricane Katrina?
175 mph
What was the max storm surge caused by Hurricane Katrina?
10 m
How much did the US government provide in aid for Hurricane Katrina?
$50 billion
What was the median household income in New Orleans in 2014, compared to the national average?
$37, compared to $52
What was the unemployment rate in New Orleans in 2015, compared to the national average?
6.8%, compared to 5.2%
What is the demographic of New Orleans?
- 230,000 black population
- 122,000 white population
- 56% religious (31% catholic)
What is one of the most deprived areas of New Orleans?
Lower 9th Ward
What percentage of household incomes were above $50,000 in New Orleans in 1999 compared to 2014?
1999: 26%
2014: 40%
