Hurricane Katrina (2005) case study: protective measures Flashcards
When did it occur
28th August 2005
Where did it occur
New Orleans, Louisiana
Describe two protective measures for property
Levees: Built to withstand category 3 hurricanes by the USCE, protecting 80% of the city.
A category 5 hurricane hit and the levees were destroyed. The US congress rejected plans to upgrade the levees.
Buildings: Buildings withstood hurricane winds, thanks to regulations, but flooding still damaged them.
Zoning (at risk areas left to nature) was employed, but many buildings still hit. The worst hit areas are being considered for zoning.
Evaluate the early warning system.
The NHC could predict and precisely track hurricanes, allowing them to issue warnings across all media.
However most people had little fear and did not evacuate.
Evaluate the evacuation plan.
A comprehensive plan was put in place for this event. However the plan left individuals largely responsible for themselves, and the mayor announced evacuation only 19 hours before landfall, creating mass panic.
25% of New Orleans was car-less.
Evaluate the preparation of Emergency Services
In 2004 a practice was performed to ensure ES was up to scratch.
However this was only for category 3 hurricanes.
Search and rescue was poorly organised, and aid could not reach areas in need of aid due to flooding.
FEMA only operated for 6 months post disaster and left a government without a plan.
