Hurricane Katrina Flashcards
1
Q
When did it happen?
A
2005
2
Q
Where did it make landfall?
A
Florida and Louisiana, particularly the city of New Orleans
3
Q
What category was it?
A
Category 5
4
Q
What were the primary impacts of Katrina?
A
- storm surges over 6 metres in height
- New Orleans was flooded due to it lying below sea level
- destruction of highway infrastructure
- oil facilities damaged
5
Q
How many died?
A
1200 drowned in floods
6
Q
How many people were made homeless?
A
1 million
7
Q
Environmental impacts of Katrina?
A
- over 7 million US gallons of oil were leaked
- storm surge caused beach erosion
- massive tree loss along the gulf coast
8
Q
Social impacts of Katrina?
A
- Superdome stadium had a shortage of food and had unhygienic conditions
- tensions were high as people felt unsafe due to looting
9
Q
What was the response to Katrina?
A
- US government was criticised for its handling of the situation, as evacuation was very slow
- poorest and most vulnerable people left behind
- government provided $50 billion
- UK sent food aid
- national guard was mobilised to restore law and order
