Summary
Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans 20 years ago, causing severe damage and highlighting issues such as racial and economic inequality in the United States. Experts are concerned that the country's disaster readiness might not have improved much since then, with potential for similar problems if another major disaster occurs.
Key Facts
- Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans on August 29, 2005, causing significant flooding when protective floodwalls failed.
- Nearly 1,500 people died in New Orleans, and about 1,800 deaths occurred in total across the Gulf Coast.
- The destruction from Katrina highlighted racial and economic inequalities in the U.S., especially in New Orleans' Ninth Ward.
- Katrina is considered the third deadliest hurricane on the U.S. mainland since 1900.
- The disaster led to widespread displacement and is often compared to historic events like the 1930s Dust Bowl.
- Experts worry that mistakes made during Katrina might be repeated in future disasters.
- The hurricane revealed weaknesses in federal disaster response systems, which some fear have not improved significantly over the past 20 years.
