Hurricane Katrina (2) Flashcards
Facts about Hurricane Katrina
Was the costliest and one of the 5 most deadly hurricanes in the history of the USA
the sixth strongest hurricane overall
At least 1,833 people were killed from the floods and hurricane
Total property damage was estimated at $81 billion
How are hurricanes created
Formed by low pressure systems over large bodies of water
Sea temperature has to be above 27degrees Celsius
Water evaporated from ocean is released, saturated air rises, resulting in condensation of water vapour
How did hurricane Katrina form
Form over Bahamas on August 23rd, 2005
Crossed Florida as a category 1 hurricane
Strengthened to a category 5 after moving over the Gulf of Mexico
Weakened again to a category 3 on 29th in Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana
Most significant number of deaths occurred here
Levee system didn’t work which caused more flooding
80% of city became flooded
Floodwaters lingered for weeks
Waters came 6-12 miles away from the beach
Economic impact
$105 billion for repairs and reconstruction Affected coastal businesses Disruption of oil industry 1.3 million acres of forest destroyed Thousands of people left unemployed
Environmental impact
Oil spills, over 26 million litres
Floodwaters were pumped into lake pontchartrain, these had many sewage, chemicals, oils and pesticides in - caused fish to die
Sustainable beach erosion
20% of marshes were permanently overrun by water, destroys much of the wildlife and habitats there
Social impact
1.2 million residents of the gulf coast were given evacuation order
Crime was very high, including carjacking, murders, thefts and rape
Housing assistance was give to 700,000 families (hotels)
