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Hurricane Katrina was a Complex Disaster

Hurricane Katrina will long be remembered as a complex disaster. In September 2005, Hurricane Katrina—a category four storm—slammed into the coastal areas of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Each of these states suffered severe losses. However, it was New Orleans that gained national and international attention. The winds of the hurricane damaged structures in the “Big Easy” and affected power and phone service. Nevertheless, it was the storm surge and heavy rains that were most problematic. Lake Pontchartrain rose to historic levels and the levees set up to keep the waters from inundating the below‐sea‐level community were breached. New Orleans was flooded. Water, sewer, and gas lines were broken. The contents of numerous petroleum and hazardous chemical tanks were released. Homes and businesses were under water. Making matters worse, some antisocial behaviors including looting and violent conflict were reported around the city. The local, state, and federal response was slow and inadequate. The reaction was also hampered further when criminals began firing weapons at rescue helicopters and relief workers. Many evacuees sought shelter in the superdome where supplies were inadequate, and conditions quickly became filthy. Disaster victims were becoming increasingly concerned about the conditions prior to the arrival of federal aid arrived at the superdome. The delivery of assistance was delayed because flooding severely affected the transportation system. Public health workers feared an outbreak of disease due to the squalid living conditions and requested an evacuation of the city. However, the required exodus was complicated by poor planning before the hurricane and insufficient communication during response and recovery operations (Figure 1‐8). Katrina therefore involved natural, environmental, biological, technological, and civil hazards. And, the consequences are Hurricane Katrina are still being felt to this day.