Inside Hurricane Katrina | National Geographic 2005

Name: Inside Hurricane Katrina | National Geographic 2005
Uploaded: 2020-08-22T03:43:15.000Z
Duration: 3 h 10 min 44 s

Hurricane Katrina: A Natural Disaster Unveiled

The Prelude to Catastrophe

The military strategy of overwhelming force is likened to the approach taken during Hurricane Katrina, where the aggressor (the hurricane) announces its intentions, yet a natural disaster spirals into a human catastrophe.

The aftermath of Katrina reveals devastating consequences: lack of food and water, homelessness, and urgent cries for help highlight systemic failures in emergency response.

War Games and Preparedness

In July 2004, a war game simulating Hurricane Pam predicts catastrophic outcomes for New Orleans, with significant casualties and destruction anticipated.

The simulation emphasizes the need for clear responsibilities among local, state, and federal governments in disaster response.

Formation of Hurricane Katrina

On August 24, 2005, meteorological observations confirm the formation of Tropical Storm Katrina as it begins to gather strength over warm ocean waters.

Emergency response teams across various states prepare supplies ahead of time due to hurricanes' predictable nature.

Impact on Florida

By August 25th at 3:30 PM, Katrina escalates to a Category 1 hurricane; despite being relatively weak initially, it causes significant damage upon landfall in Florida.

The slow movement of Katrina allows prolonged exposure to hurricane-force winds in Florida before it regains strength over warm Gulf waters.

Strengthening Over Water

As Katrina moves back over the Gulf of Mexico on August 26th, she recharges due to high sea surface temperatures conducive for hurricane development.

By late morning on August 26th, forecasts indicate that Katrina could strengthen into a Category 3 hurricane with potentially devastating winds.

Hurricane Katrina: Preparations and Early Responses

Initial Response to Hurricane Katrina

Local and state officials in Louisiana are on high alert as Hurricane Katrina approaches, strategizing daily at the Louisiana Emergency Operations Center.

Recorded calls between local officials reveal their planning efforts leading up to the hurricane's landfall, highlighting the importance of communication among emergency planners.

Officials have prepared resources for deployment and placed personnel on standby, emphasizing that local and state authorities are critical in disaster response.

The Red Cross is set to open a forward operations office in Baton Rouge to coordinate resource staging from neighboring states ahead of the storm.

The federal government, through FEMA, will collaborate with state officials to assess needs and develop a coordinated response plan once the hurricane strikes.

State of Emergency Declarations

On August 26th, both Mississippi and Louisiana declare states of emergency, allowing governors to deploy National Guard troops and suspend civil liberties if necessary.

The U.S. Coast Guard prepares by putting helicopters and planes on standby while oil companies evacuate rigs due to potential impacts on national oil production from the Gulf region.

New Orleans is identified as being directly in Hurricane Katrina's path; local politicians Ray Nagin (mayor) and Kathleen Blanco (governor) will play pivotal roles during this crisis.

Public Sentiment Before Landfall

As Friday night unfolds in New Orleans' French Quarter, locals celebrate without fear of hurricanes, showcasing a cultural attitude towards storms that blends reverence with festivity.

By Saturday morning (August 27), forecasts predict that Katrina will make landfall near Burrous, Louisiana—a prediction that proves accurate as conditions worsen throughout the day.

Evacuation Efforts Begin

At 7:30 AM on August 27th, emergency official Jeff Smith leads a conference call urging immediate action regarding relief supplies needed for evacuation efforts underway south and east of New Orleans.

Evacuations commence for low-lying areas under Louisiana’s emergency plan; all agencies work collaboratively to facilitate safe exits before traffic congestion becomes an issue.

Mayor Ray Nagin issues an urgent evacuation order for residents in vulnerable areas within New Orleans while announcing plans to open the Superdome as a shelter of last resort by Sunday morning.

Challenges Faced During Evacuations

Despite implementing emergency highway evacuation plans using all lanes for outbound traffic, significant traffic snarls occur as thousands attempt to leave New Orleans simultaneously.

Many residents struggle with decisions about what belongings to take when evacuating; some choose not to leave due to uncertainty about where they would go or lack of resources available elsewhere.

A notable number of individuals remain in their homes despite warnings—reflecting a pervasive attitude among parts of New Orleans against leaving even amidst impending danger from Hurricane Katrina.

Hurricane Katrina: A Catastrophic Forecast

The Impending Threat of Hurricane Katrina

The forecast predicts a potentially catastrophic hurricane, with New Orleans facing severe risks as it approaches on August 27, 2005. Roughly 100,000 residents lack transportation to evacuate.

Many residents are financially constrained, relying on welfare checks that often run out by the end of the month. New Orleans has a poverty rate exceeding 23%, nearly double the national average.

Emergency Response and Preparedness

President Bush is on vacation but signs a federal state of emergency request from Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco, allowing federal resources to be mobilized for disaster response.

FEMA dispatches five search and rescue teams positioned outside the storm's path but close enough for post-storm operations. Concerns arise about FEMA's preparedness for such a significant disaster as predicted in the "Hurricane Pam" scenario.

Organizational Challenges within FEMA

Michael Brown, director of FEMA since 2003, faces criticism regarding the agency's current capabilities compared to its past effectiveness before being downgraded under Homeland Security after 9/11. This change limited direct access to presidential support during emergencies.

As Hurricane Katrina intensifies into a Category 3 storm by Saturday evening, flood gates around New Orleans begin closing in anticipation of rising waters due to storm surges associated with hurricanes.

Infrastructure Vulnerabilities

The levees protecting New Orleans are aging and inadequately maintained due to budget constraints; they are designed only for Category 3 hurricane surges despite being crucial for city protection against flooding.

Jazz trumpeter Kermit Ruffins returns home amidst evacuation warnings but chooses not to leave yet; he humorously acknowledges the impending danger while enjoying nightlife in New Orleans' French Quarter just hours before the storm hits.

Governmental Actions and Public Sentiment

At 9:30 PM on August 27th, President Bush declares a pre-hurricane state of emergency; however, many locals continue their routines as if unaffected by looming disaster warnings from officials at all levels of government.

By early Sunday morning (August 28), Hurricane Katrina escalates into an extremely rare Category 5 hurricane threatening imminent landfall near New Orleans; Mayor Ray Nagin announces an unprecedented mandatory evacuation order for the city as preparations ramp up at local shelters like the Superdome.

Hurricane Katrina: Evacuation Efforts and Government Response

Initial Concerns and Evacuation Orders

At 9:25 a.m., President Bush calls Governor Kathleen Blanco to express concern for New Orleans citizens and the impending hurricane's impact.

The president urges a mandatory evacuation of New Orleans, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of Hurricane Katrina, which is expected to make landfall in about 20 hours.

The National Weather Service issues a dire advisory predicting catastrophic damage, with most areas becoming uninhabitable for weeks or longer.

Challenges Faced by Residents

By Sunday morning, many residents have evacuated; however, tens of thousands remain, particularly in low-lying and impoverished neighborhoods, scrambling for last-minute supplies.

Some residents express reluctance to leave due to past experiences with hurricanes that did not result in significant damage.

Law Enforcement and Evacuation Logistics

Mayor Nagin does not enforce the mandatory evacuation due to limited police manpower and a traditional bias against forcibly removing people from their homes.

Officers attempt persuasion tactics instead; one officer suggests marking bodies with social security numbers for identification purposes post-storm.

Transportation and Shelter Arrangements

Regional transit buses are dispatched to transport residents to the Superdome, where they are advised to bring essential items but no weapons or drugs.

Amtrak offers assistance for evacuations that is declined by city officials; meanwhile, local leaders debate whether to evacuate as conditions worsen.

Arrival at Shelters and Preparedness Measures

People arriving at the Superdome find it equipped with security, medical facilities, food, and water; FEMA has stockpiled substantial supplies in anticipation of the storm's impact.

By nightfall, nearly 10,000 individuals take shelter at the Superdome as FEMA prepares additional resources across Louisiana.

Final Preparations Before Landfall

As evening approaches on August 28th, reports confirm Hurricane Katrina is approaching as a Category 5 storm—considered a "weapon of mass destruction."

A conference call between state officials reveals ongoing logistical challenges regarding shelter locations ahead of the hurricane's arrival.

Impact Forecasting

The National Weather Service warns of severe flooding risks due to anticipated storm surges exceeding levee heights.

Katrina's Brutal Assault Begins

The Arrival of Hurricane Katrina

On August 29, 2005, at 4:00 AM Central Time, Hurricane Katrina begins its devastating impact on Louisiana with winds pushing a storm surge of 14 to 17 feet toward the coast.

By 5:02 AM, parts of New Orleans lose electricity; the Superdome goes dark but has backup generators providing limited lighting for approximately 10,000 evacuees inside.

At 10:00 AM, Katrina makes landfall in Plaquemines Parish, leading to a comprehensive analysis by the Louisiana State University Hurricane Center regarding the hurricane's effects on New Orleans.

The Fury of the Storm

As winds intensify near the Superdome, police SWAT team members Dwayne and Daryl Sherman recount their experience sleeping in their trucks amidst rising chaos.

Doug Keisling, a professional storm chaser, captures footage of Category 3 or Category 4 winds ripping through buildings while evacuees hear alarming noises from the Superdome roof.

Water begins leaking into the Superdome as Katrina's winds tear away sections of its roof.

Flooding and Destruction

At 7:00 AM, with the eye of the hurricane still south of New Orleans, floodwaters begin overtopping levees in St. Bernard Parish and lower Ninth Ward.

Reports indicate extensive flooding across East New Orleans as water cascades into neighborhoods from both sides of industrial canals.

Emergency communication systems fail; local officials report severe flooding while terrified evacuees watch as more sections of the Superdome roof are damaged.

Escalating Crisis

By 7:45 AM, explosive breaks occur along earthen levees in Lower Ninth Ward and New Orleans East as floodwaters rise rapidly to over twelve feet above sea level.

A storm chaser encounters residents who have evacuated due to rising waters; they express uncertainty about whether floodwaters are breaching levee lines from Lake Pontchartrain.

Emergency Response Challenges

An emergency director requests urgent supplies during a conference call amid worsening conditions; he emphasizes immediate needs for water and MRE (Meals Ready-to-Eat).

At around 10:00 AM, Katrina shifts direction slightly northeast towards Mississippi after causing significant destruction in towns like Slidell and Gulfport.

Impact on Communities

Storm chasers document scenes where water inundates hotel lobbies; they assist an elderly woman escaping rising waters as chaos unfolds around them.

As people seek higher ground during surging waters that chase them up stairs, they realize they are within proximity to the eye wall of Hurricane Katrina.

Hurricane Katrina's Impact on Biloxi and New Orleans

The Onset of the Storm

Mayor AJ Holloway of Biloxi, Mississippi, witnesses Hurricane Katrina's devastating effects firsthand as he observes large waves and debris from buildings washing ashore.

As the storm intensifies, recognizable furniture and vehicles are seen floating by, indicating severe destruction in the area.

Devastation in Mobile and New Orleans

Hurricane Katrina submerges parts of Mobile, Alabama, under 10 feet of water while simultaneously pushing a storm surge against New Orleans' levees.

Journalists report live from New Orleans but fail to grasp the full extent of the disaster unfolding elsewhere in the city, creating a false sense of security for viewers.

Rising Waters and Emergency Responses

At Jackson Barracks, floodwaters surround National Guard troops; they witness water levels rising rapidly within their armory.

Angela Green recounts her experience as floodwaters invade her home in Mid-City, forcing her family to seek refuge with neighbors.

FEMA's Challenges

FEMA Director Michael Brown requests temporary relief workers to assist in hurricane recovery efforts but faces limitations due to agency protocols.

FEMA relies heavily on state workers and other agencies for immediate response since it lacks its own first responder resources.

Communication Breakdown

Most communication systems fail during the hurricane; phones and media outlets become unreliable just when coordination is most critical.

General Russell Honore is tasked with overseeing military responses as first responders themselves become victims amidst chaos.

Catastrophic Flooding Begins

As Katrina’s eye moves northeast of New Orleans, a massive storm surge overwhelms levees along Lake Pontchartrain.

By 10:30 AM, multiple levee breaches occur along key canals leading to widespread flooding across New Orleans neighborhoods.

Rescue Operations Commence

Rescuers discover extensive damage throughout the city; nearly every structure shows signs of destruction.

Police officers Dwayne and Daryl Sherman begin rescue missions after receiving reports about numerous people stranded in attics or on rooftops.

Hurricane Katrina: A Military Operation?

The Impact of Hurricane Katrina

The speaker describes the act of rescuing individuals during Hurricane Katrina, emphasizing the immediate gratitude expressed by those in distress.

The storm is likened to a military operation, attacking Louisiana and Mississippi with overwhelming force while disrupting communication networks.

The strategy of the storm is compared to a military tactic, effectively incapacitating the region's ability to respond and leaving New Orleans vulnerable.

Media Response and Initial Reports

NPR reporter John Burnett reports from New Orleans unaware of levee breaks; initial media impressions suggest that conditions are manageable despite underlying chaos.

As damage becomes evident post-storm, 9-1-1 dispatchers communicate with victims expressing despair over lost homes and safety.

Destruction and Human Toll

The hurricane severely impacts the gambling industry in Biloxi, Mississippi, as casinos are displaced by floodwaters.

Survivors express disbelief at their losses; many are left uncertain about the fate of loved ones amidst widespread destruction.

Government Response and Coordination Challenges

FEMA Director Michael Brown acknowledges unprecedented disaster scope; relief efforts in New Orleans lack coordination amid rising chaos.

An ABC News correspondent clarifies that levees were topped rather than broken, contradicting earlier reports about the severity of the situation.

Conditions on Ground Post-Storm

By August 30th, floodwaters cover 80% of New Orleans; significant destruction includes at least 200,000 homes lost.

Many residents find themselves trapped in attics or on rooftops as they await rescue amidst rising waters.

Rescue Efforts Amidst Chaos

Despite challenges, various agencies including Coast Guard and National Guard mobilize for rescue operations amid communication failures.

President Bush cuts short his vacation to address the crisis as local officials struggle to manage chaotic conditions.

Hurricane Katrina: The Aftermath and Response

Conditions in New Orleans

Thousands of evacuees have been stranded for three days, facing deteriorating conditions with overflowing toilets and pervasive odors of sewage and filth.

The New Orleans Convention Center has become an unplanned shelter for approximately 25,000 evacuees, including tourists; however, there are no emergency supplies available.

Many individuals are trapped on bridges and roadways without access to food, water, or shelter, leading to feelings of frustration and dehumanization among the affected population.

Chaos and Looting

Amidst the chaos in the city, looters break into stores to steal essential items ranging from food to display cases.

Efforts by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair flood walls fail as sandbags are ineffective against rising waters; New Orleans continues to fill with floodwater.

Government Response

Governor Kathleen Blanco calls for a full evacuation of the Superdome as transportation logistics become increasingly challenging due to flooding.

By Wednesday morning (August 31), tens of thousands remain trapped in New Orleans under dire circumstances while rumors about violence spread rapidly.

FEMA's Struggles

FEMA reports difficulties in communication with local officials and struggles with delivering aid due to flooded roads preventing supply trucks from entering the city.

President Bush flies over the hurricane zone as survivors across multiple states hope for quick returns home amidst ongoing challenges.

Military Involvement

General Russell Honore arrives in New Orleans to lead military efforts; his decisive actions earn praise from local officials amid chaotic relief operations.

Mayor Ray Nagin acknowledges that relief efforts face unique challenges in New Orleans compared to Mississippi due to standing water complicating recovery efforts.

Rising Tensions and Rumors

As helicopters transport sick evacuees to makeshift hospitals at Louis Armstrong Airport, looting intensifies; law enforcement is redirected away from search-and-rescue missions.

Rumors about rampant violence within shelters circulate widely; many reports turn out exaggerated or false regarding deaths within the Superdome.

Hurricane Katrina: A Catastrophe Unfolds

Initial Reports and Miscommunication

Early reports of a murder inside the convention center were inaccurate, with police recovering four bodies, one being a homicide victim. The media's perspective shifted rapidly, leading to confusion about the number of victims.

Public Response and Relief Efforts

The devastation in New Orleans became emblematic of a national catastrophe, with residents expressing despair over their lost homes and belongings. One individual lamented having "nothing" left after the hurricane.

A bus company owner from Minnesota initiated a local relief effort, collecting over 90,000 pounds of food and supplies within 24 hours to assist hurricane victims in Louisiana.

Walmart's emergency operations evolved into a cooperative relief effort with the Red Cross to send essential supplies like water and dry food into affected areas.

Government Response and Political Dynamics

President Bush returned to Washington D.C. for cabinet discussions on whether the federal government should take control of relief efforts in Louisiana. Tensions arose as Governor Blanco resisted federal takeover due to fears of political backlash.

Confusion regarding responsibility for disaster response was prevalent among agencies like FEMA and the Red Cross, which struggled to provide adequate assistance despite the magnitude of destruction.

Evacuations Amidst Chaos

As buses arrived at the Superdome for evacuation efforts, some residents took matters into their own hands. Jabar Gibson commandeered a school bus to transport evacuees to safety in Texas.

Gibson's actions highlighted public frustration over governmental delays during an overwhelming crisis while showcasing individual heroism amidst chaos.

Criticism of Federal Response

On September 1st, President Bush faced backlash for his comments on Hurricane Katrina’s impact, claiming no one anticipated levee breaches despite prior warnings from experts about potential failures.

The slow evacuation process from the Superdome drew outrage as it took three days to transport all stranded evacuees. General Russell Honore emerged as a decisive figure managing logistics amid humanitarian needs.

Ongoing Struggles for Aid

Despite offers from organizations like the Red Cross, Louisiana officials declined assistance due to safety concerns and potential disruptions in rescue operations.

Residents expressed desperation for aid as they felt abandoned by government support; only limited help had reached them since the disaster struck.

Search and Rescue Operations

National Guard troops began door-to-door searches in New Orleans looking for survivors while trying to prevent individuals from re-entering dangerous areas post-flooding.

Rescuers faced emotional challenges when encountering families devastated by loss; one father mourned his children who perished during the storm while searching for answers amidst destruction.

Bureaucratic Delays in Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts

Initial Response Challenges

A group from Florida drove 22 hours to assist but faced bureaucratic hurdles, needing credentials and paperwork that delayed their efforts by two days.

Mayor Ray Nagin criticized state and national officials for the slow response, emphasizing the dire conditions at the convention center where thousands were stranded without food or water.

FEMA Director Michael Brown acknowledged on ABC News that they only learned about people stranded in the convention center that day, raising questions about communication failures.

Criticism of FEMA's Response

Brown explained that FEMA was focused on rescue missions and had not prioritized addressing reports of those stranded until it was too late.

He noted a surprising number of individuals either chose not to evacuate or were unable to do so, complicating relief efforts further.

Presidential Involvement

President Bush visited New Orleans to assess damage and responded to criticism by promising improvements in federal relief efforts while praising Brown's work.

The president assured citizens that issues would be addressed promptly as he witnessed the devastation firsthand alongside FEMA officials.

Coordination Issues Among Officials

National Guard troops quickly restored order at the convention center within 30 minutes, distributing food and water effectively after initial delays.

During a meeting aboard Air Force One, Mayor Nagin urged both Bush and Governor Blanco to take immediate action to prevent further loss of life; however, they failed to align on a unified strategy.

Ongoing Struggles with Relief Efforts

Tensions escalated between Governor Blanco and Mayor Nagin regarding the effectiveness of state versus federal responses; Nagin expressed frustration over lack of action from state authorities.

The Army Corps of Engineers began pumping water out of New Orleans as part of recovery efforts while local agencies struggled with coordination amidst ongoing chaos.

Progress Amidst Chaos

By September 9th, significant portions of New Orleans remained underwater despite extensive evacuation efforts; approximately one million people had fled the hurricane zone.

Local and federal forces conducted nearly 50,000 rescues while FEMA delivered millions of meals and gallons of drinking water amid widespread community support for relief initiatives.

Communication Breakdown with FEMA

As telephone connections began restoring in Baton Rouge, local officials expressed frustration over missed meetings with FEMA representatives which contributed to ongoing disorganization in relief operations.

Temporary housing provision became a major point of contention as local leaders felt abandoned by federal agencies during critical recovery phases.

Hurricane Katrina Response and Aftermath

Communication Issues in Emergency Management

Jeff Smith, a state emergency official, escalates communication problems to the Vice President, emphasizing the need for effective solutions.

Walter Mastery, Jefferson Parish's emergency director, expresses frustration over FEMA's unfulfilled promises regarding gasoline and diesel shipments critical for sewage operations.

Mastery highlights the absence of generators necessary for maintaining essential services as floodwaters threaten public health.

Government Accountability and Leadership Changes

Homeland Security Chief Michael Chertoff defends FEMA during a press conference while announcing Mike Brown's return to Washington D.C. for oversight changes.

Following Hurricane Katrina, city officials like Cynthia Morrell assess damage in New Orleans neighborhoods two weeks post-storm.

Community Impact and Recovery Efforts

Residents return to inspect their homes amidst devastation; personal stories reveal deep emotional connections to lost properties.

City Council President Oliver Thomas reflects on his childhood home’s destruction as authorities continue searching neighborhoods amid rising death tolls.

National Reflection on Disaster Preparedness

The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina reveals systemic failures in disaster response capabilities across all government levels.

President Bush acknowledges responsibility for the crisis, citing significant issues with governmental preparedness exposed by the hurricane.

Lessons from Hurricane Rita

As Hurricane Rita approaches, officials emphasize learning from past mistakes and ensuring coordinated efforts to save lives.

Federal assurances are made regarding pre-positioned supplies and improved planning compared to previous responses during Katrina.

Testimonies and Blame Game Post-Katrina

In congressional hearings following Hurricane Rita, former FEMA Director Michael Brown attributes blame primarily to local leadership failures in Louisiana.

Governor Kathleen Blanco faces criticism but focuses her testimony on job creation rather than responding directly to Brown’s accusations.

This structured summary captures key discussions surrounding the response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita while highlighting accountability issues within government agencies.

Response to Government Preparedness Post-Katrina

Concerns Over Disaster Response Capabilities

Mississippi highlights that the agency's resources are significantly outmatched by the demands placed upon it, receiving less than 25% of requested support from headquarters daily.

The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina has led Americans to question the readiness of government agencies at all levels to handle major disasters or terrorist events in their communities.

Evaluation of Evacuation Plans

Following 9/11, Congress allocated billions for cities and states to enhance their evacuation strategies; however, the effectiveness of these plans during a crisis remains uncertain.

New York City relies heavily on its vulnerable public transit system for evacuations, while Los Angeles lacks a comprehensive plan for evacuating millions in case of a catastrophic earthquake.

Challenges in Los Angeles Evacuations

Los Angeles currently does not have an established plan for efficiently evacuating and housing large populations during emergencies.

Personal accounts illustrate individual experiences post-disaster; jazz trumpeter Kermit Ruffins reflects on his home being spared significant damage due to its location on higher ground.

Community Resilience and Rebuilding Efforts

The urgency to rebuild is palpable among residents; personal memories tied to homes and neighborhoods underscore the emotional impact of disaster recovery.

Ruffins shares nostalgic reflections about his neighborhood bar where he has performed regularly for over a decade, emphasizing community ties amidst rebuilding efforts.