What: Hurricane Katrina
When: August 29, 2005
Where: Gulf Coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama
Most Devastated Area: New Orleans, LA
Death Toll: More than 1,300
Stats: Category 4 hurricane and the third most powerful of 2005, Hurricane Katrina was the worst natural disaster in U.S. history. Though classified as a category 4, Katrina briefly reached category 5 status. Winds reached 145 miles per hour and 80% of New Orleans was flooded to rooftop levels.
Controversy: Former President George W. Bush was criticized for slow and disorganized response to the catastrophe, especially in the flooded lower 9th ward of New Orleans which is predominately black. Former New Orleans Mayor Nagin was also criticized for lack of preparedness and for not fully implementing his evacuation plan for the city.
Famous Quote: Kayne West says “George Bush doesn’t care about black people” during the September 2, 2005 live broadcast of A Concert for Hurricane Relief on NBC. Watch the video.
In honor of those lost: Bush declares September 16 a national day of remembrance for Katrina’s victims.
More: Check out the related links below.
25 haunting photos from Katrina.
Lower 9th Ward Still Struggling after Katrina.
Photos taken from My Modern Met article posted by Alice Yoo