Katrina Consequences: What Has the Government Learned?

Abstract

Eleven months ago, the nation witnessed Hurricane Katrina, perhaps the worst "natural" disaster to have occurred on American soil. The failures at all levels of government to cope, in a minimally competent way, with the suffering of the residents of one of America's great cities was broadcast in real time to shocked citizens of this country and people around the world. Comprehensive governmental breakdowns occurred despite the fact that an event like Katrina had been predicted for years. The government was fully aware that a category three or greater hurricane might strike the Gulf Coast near New Orleans, and that, in such an event, flooding might occur. In fact, the scope of the problem was "gamed" only a year before in a planning exercise, named Hurricane Pam, attended by hundreds. Yet when the predicted hurricane arrived, governmental support collapsed.