Running head: HURRICANE KATRINA NATURAL DISASTER
1
Hurricane Katrina Natural Disaster
Ferris State University
Brandy Everson, Molly Pacola, Katie Lewandowski, Lori Rosendale, Erin
VanderHorst
HURRICANE KATRINA NATURAL DISASTER
2
Abstract
In 2005, one of the most deadly hurricanes in U.S. history, Hurricane Katrina,
impacted New Orleans and the Mississippi coast. Over a thousand people died in
the hurricane and thousands of others were left homeless and without food and
water for survival. The incidence of hurricanes and other natural disasters is
currently on the rise. It is of extreme importance that communities nationwide be
adequately prepared and know the risks such events may bring to their community.
HURRICANE KATRINA NATURAL DISASTER
3
Hurricane Katrina Natural Disaster
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina ripped through the United States affecting New
Orleans and the Mississippi coast. In this paper we will summarize this natural
disaster that killed 1,200 people (National Weather Service, 2012, para 4). We will
discuss how severe the damage was to this city of roughly 484,684 residents and
the risk of this disaster happening again to New Orleans. We will see how this
disaster had health implications for the residents and how it will impact the health
care system. Lastly, we will discuss how to prevent and mitigate this disaster in the
future.
Summary of Natural Disaster
Hurricanes are natural disasters that are a result of a tropical storm. They
have winds with a speed of at least 75 miles per hour and blow in a large spiral
formation with the center of the storm being calm and referred to as the eye
(Veenema, 2013). The center of the storm can be 20-30 miles wide, while the
outlying storm itself can be up to 400 miles wide (Veenema, 2013). It can consist
of pouring rain, very strong winds and storm surges. The hurricane can take place
over a two week period or more out in the open waters and can run along the entire
coastline (Veenema, 2013).
Hurricanes are rated based on their wind speed. They are categorized into
five different categories. Category 1 consists of a storm with maximum winds of
HURRICANE KATRINA NATURAL DISASTER
4
74-95 miles per hour. Category 2 has winds from 96-110 miles per hour while a
Category 3 has winds from 111-130 miles per hour. A Category 4 storm has winds
form 131-155 miles per hour and the highest category, Category 5, has maximum
winds greater than 155 miles per hour (Blake, Landsea & Gibney, 2011).
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina began developing on 8/23/2005 over the Bahamas
(History.com, 2015). It hit parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, but New
Orleans was the area hit the hardest. On 8/28/05, the mayor of New Orleans issued
the first ever mandatory evacuation order and the storm hit New Orleans on
8/29/05 (History.com, 2015). The storm surge was as high as nine meters and over
80% of the city was eventually covered with some amount of water (History.com,
2015). New Orleans had many levees in place, but unfortunately, these failed
during Hurricane Katrina and resulted in much damage to the city (Plyer, 2014).
Hurricane Katrina was a Category 3 hurricane with winds between 111-130 miles
per hour (Blake, Landsea & Gibney, 2011).
HURRICANE KATRINA NATURAL DISASTER
5
Severity of Damage
Hurricane Katrina caused severe damage, especially to the city of New
Orleans. It has been deemed the largest residential disaster in US history (Plyer,
2014). It ranks as the third deadliest Hurricane with approximately 1,200 deaths
(Blake, Landsea, & Gibney, 2011). Many of these deaths were due to drowning,
physical trauma, and heart conditions suffered by those involved. Most of the
deaths occurred to the elderly population. It is estimated that more than one
million people were displaced in the Gulf Coast region as a result of Katrina.
There were more than a million housing units damaged along the Gulf Coast
region and over half of these were in New Orleans. In the city of New Orleans,
more than 70% of the housing units were damaged (Plyer, 2014).
Hurricane Katrina caused so much damage that it soon became the costliest
hurricane in history. It is reported that it caused more than $108,000,000,000 in
damage (Blake, Landsea & Gibney, 2011). The amount of water varied throughout
the city, but some areas had about a foot of water, while other areas had over ten
feet of water (Plyer, 2014). While there was the initial disaster and loss of homes,
businesses, and lives, the damage continued to affect lives long after the hurricane
was gone. There were at least 50,000 children that did not attend school for the
2005-2006 school year (Veenema, 2013). The school districts were severely
affected and there was major loss of funding for many (Veenema, 2013).
HURRICANE KATRINA NATURAL DISASTER
6
The population of New Orleans decreased dramatically as a result of the
hurricane. Initially, the population was 484,674 people and by the following year
the population was down to 230,172. By 2012, the population had increased back
to 369,250 although this number still remains below the original population (Plyer,
2014). The severity of Hurricane Katrina disrupted many people’s lives and
changed their lives in many ways.
Risk for Disaster Increasing or Decreasing?
With such devastation done by Hurricane Katrina, it is wondered if
hurricane activity is increasing or decreasing. According to Geophysical Fluid
Dynamics Laboratory (2015) “Anthropogenic warming by the end of the 21st
century will likely cause hurricanes globally to be more intense on average (by 2 to
11% according to model projections for an IPCC A1B scenario). This change
would imply an even larger percentage increase in the destructive potential per
storm, assuming no reduction in storm size.”
Hurricane Katrina was a Category 3, and there is evidence that larger
hurricanes, Categories 4 and 5, are also increasing. There have been studies done
by Environmental Science Institute of Texas (ESI). It is stated that two weeks
prior to Hurricane Katrina, a scientist published a paper on the increase in
hurricane activity. ESI (2015) states “hurricanes worldwide have increased by
HURRICANE KATRINA NATURAL DISASTER
7
about 50 percent since the 1970’s and that this trend directly corresponds with a
global increase in tropical sea surface temperature.”
Analysis of Health Implications
Hurricane Katrina was one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history.
Beyond the physical devastation, the hurricane led to elevated health and mental
health difficulties among survivors. The effects of hurricane Katrina had a huge
impact on our health care system.
At Risk Population
According to Am J Orthopsychiatry (2010) low-income, African American,
single mothers were at particularly high risk for suffering the adverse effects.
Much of this research focuses on the short-term implications and indicates that
disaster survivors evidence a wide range of reactions, including symptoms of
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as other, often co-morbid, conditions
such as depression, anxiety, somatization, substance abuse, and physical illness.
“Growing evidence suggests that the hurricane had both immediate and
lasting adverse health and mental health consequences. A rapid-needs assessment
of returning New Orleans residents conducted by the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention in October 2005 revealed that more than 50 percent of respondents
showed signs of a “possible” need for mental health treatment. A study of families
HURRICANE KATRINA NATURAL DISASTER
8
living in FEMA-subsidized hotels or trailers conducted in February of 2006
reported high rates of disability among caregivers of children, due to depression,
anxiety and other psychiatric problems. The survey also yielded high rates of
reports of chronic health problems (34 percent) and numerous new mental health
problems (nearly 50 percent) among children in these families. Another crosssectional survey of 222 survivors found that over half (52%) continued to
experience poor mental and physical health 15 months after Katrina” (Am J
Orthopsychiatry, 2010).
Risk of Morbidity and Mortality
Hurricane Katrina had a negative health impact on many people. According
to Morantz (2005) the CDC states of the 6,167 illnesses and injuries in which
disposition status was known, five persons died and 552 (9.0 percent) were
admitted to hospitals. Among those injured, 42 had intentional injuries (i.e., selfinflicted or violent), seven of whom were victims of assault. The proportion of ill
patients evaluated for acute respiratory infection (ARI) increased from September
8 to September 25, when data were analyzed. Among the 505 patients with ARI,
371 (73.5 percent) had cough, 62 (12.3 percent) had shortness of breath, and 60
(11.9 percent) had fever. A total of 23 persons with ARI (4.6 percent) were
admitted to a hospital.
Potential Impact on the Health Care System
HURRICANE KATRINA NATURAL DISASTER
9
As you can imagine Hurricane Katrina impacted the health care system.
According to a Health Affairs article (2006) before Hurricane Katrina struck in
August 2005, New Orleans had a largely poor and African American population
with one of the nation’s highest insurance rates, and many relied on the Charity
Hospital system for care. The aftermath of Katrina devastated the New Orleans
health care safety net, entirely changing the city’s health care landscape and
leaving many without access to care a year after the storm. State and local officials
face the challenge of rebuilding and improving the city’s health care system by
assuring health care coverage for the population and promoting broader access to
primary care and community-based health services.
Prevention and Mitigation
A natural disaster such as Hurricane Katrina is not preventable. Since we
cannot prevent a natural disaster from occurring we must put plans in place to
prepare for them. We also should practice these plans we set in place so that when
it does happen we can respond quickly. Disaster drills help people to know what
they need to and should be realistic. You should plan that normal everyday
activities such as telephoning, mail delivery, and banking will be shutdown. You
should plan for alternative routes to do these things. Businesses may be shut down
if they are affected by the disaster so having alternate places to set up a temporary
HURRICANE KATRINA NATURAL DISASTER
10
business can be helpful. Plan for any inspections or permits needed for a temporary
business (FFIEC, n.d.).
Communication
Communicating in a disaster is essential but difficult if everyone is
attempting to at the same time. Using two way radios or cell phones with out of
state area codes will be helpful in not overcrowding the system (FFIEC, n.d.). The
emergency alert system should be tested and effective at alerting public. Text
messaging is a good method to give quick concise directions in an emergency.
Mass media can be used to inform public about health risks such as contaminated
water. Effective communication in an emergency can prevent casualties (Veenema,
2013, p. 9). Businesses may want to have toll free number used for emergencies.
Banking may be shut down so to not have disruptions in your finances banks
should encourage direct deposit for bills (FFIEC, n.d.).
Evacuation
Disaster planning should include evacuation. Hospitals, schools, homes and
business will all need to have a plan and know where to go. During Hurricane
Katrina there was difficulty evacuating people from health care facilities and many
people refused to leave their homes. To plan for better evacuation all forms of
transportation should be considered in case some forms are not usable. Patients
should be triaged and a plan should be setup before so transferring patients is a
HURRICANE KATRINA NATURAL DISASTER
11
smoother process (Veenema, 2013, p. 9). In the event of a disaster nurses should
know what constitutes needing to evacuate. In short if the electricity, water,
oxygen, heating/cooling or septic system is not functioning then evacuation is
necessary (Veenema, 2013, p. 15). First Medical Stations or FMS were in
Hurricane Katrina. They are setup within buildings still intact. They can house 250
beds and have three days’ worth of medical supplies. They are provided from
Strategic National Stockpile and 48 hours’ notice is needed (Veenema, 2013, p.
36).
Building Stronger Structures
FEMA has information on how to build your home stronger when you live
near the coast. Stronger homes can help against the strong winds experienced from
a hurricane. The beams in the home should be reinforced so roofs do not cave in.
Anchor the house on to concrete foundation. Storm shutters help to keep wind and
water out of the buildings. Homes should be elevated so they are less likely to
flood. There should be a room with emergency supplies in the center of the house.
Conclusion
There have been many natural and environmental disasters in U.S. history,
just like Hurricane Katrina. These disasters are inevitable, but with preparation,
planning, and use of response plans by all, we as a country, community, and
members of society will be ready for such events in the future. The mark a
HURRICANE KATRINA NATURAL DISASTER
12
disaster, or any type of traumatic event, leaves on a person or community will hold
forever. New Orleans is still continuing to rebuild its foundation today but with a
new and even stronger foundation the city and all affected will soon thrive again.
HURRICANE KATRINA NATURAL DISASTER
13
References
Am J Orthopsychiatry. (2010). The impact of hurricane katrina on the mental and
physical health of low income parents in New Orleans. Retrieved March 27,
2015: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3276074/
Blake, E.S., Landsea, C.W. & Gibney, E.J. (2011). The deadliest, costliest, and
most intense United States tropical cyclones from 1851-2010 (and other
frequently requested hurricane facts). NOAA Technical Memorandum
NWS NHC-6.
Federal Financial Institute Examination Consult (FFIEC). (n.d.). Lessons learned
from hurricane katrina: Preparing your institution for a catastrophic event.
Retrieved from: https://www.ffiec.gov/pdf/katrina_lessons.pdf
Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2015). Plan, Prepare and Mitigate.
Retrieved from: https://www.fema.gov/mitigation-best-practicesportfolio/mitigation-best-practices-portfolio-hurricane-katrina
Health Affairs. (2005). Health care in New Orleans before and after hurricane
Katrina. Retrieved March 27, 2015. from:
http://content.healthaffairs.org/content/25/5/w393.full
History.com (2015). History of hurricane katrina. Retrieved from:
http://www.history.com/topics/hurricane-katrina
HURRICANE KATRINA NATURAL DISASTER
14
Morantz, C. (2005). Practice guidelines: CDC reports on illnesses in hurricane
katrina evacuees and relief workers - american family physician. Retrieved
March 27, 2015, from http://www.aafp.org/afp/2005/1115/p2132.html
National Weather Service. (2012. May). Hurricane in History. Retrieved from:
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/outreach/history/#katrina
Plyer, A. (2014). Facts for Features: Katrina Impact. Retrieved from:
http://www.datacenterresearch.org/data-resources/katrina/facts-for-impact/
Veenema, T.G. (2013). Disaster nursing and emergency preparedness for
chemical, biological and radiological terrorism and other hazards (3rd ed.).
New York, NY: Springer Publishing Co.
Waple, A. (2005, December). Hurricane Katrina; NOAA’s National Climatic Data
Center, Asheville, NC. Retrieved from:
http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/extremeevents/specialreports/HurricaneKatrina.pdf
Grading Rubric for The Group Project: Natural or Environmental Disaster
A. Introduction
B. Summary of a
type of major
natural or
environmental
Below Expectation
Needs Improvement
(2 points)
The introduction is
below average or
missing. The focus
of the paper is not
clear as well as
what will be
discussed in the
text of the paper
(9 points)
There is below
average summary
of a major natural or
(3 points)
There is an average
introduction to the
paper. The focus of
the paper may be
somewhat unclear as
well as what will be
discussed in the text
of the paper
(12 points)
There is an average
summary of a major
natural or
Meets
Expectations
(4 points)
There is a good
introduction to the
paper that includes
a clear focus to the
paper and what will
be discussed in the
text of the paper
(14 points)
There is a good
summary of a major
natural or
Exceptional
(5 points)
There is an
excellent
introduction to the
paper that includes
a very clear focus of
the paper and what
will be discussed in
the text of the paper
(15 points)
There is an
excellent summary
of a major natural or
HURRICANE KATRINA NATURAL DISASTER
disaster that
includes the
severity of
damage
C. Discussion as
to whether the
risk for this
disaster is
increasing or
decreasing
D. An analysis of
the health
implications
related to this
disaster that
include the
population at risk
(affected
population), the
risk of morbidity
and mortality, and
the potential
impact on the
health care
system
E. Provision of
prevention and/or
mitigation
measures that are
supported with
the literature
F. Conclusion or
Summary
G. Data &
Information
environmental
disaster that does
not include the
severity of damage
and is not
supported with the
literature.
(9 points)
There is a below
average discussion
of whether the risk
for this disaster is
increasing or
decreasing. The
position is not
supported with the
literature.
(9 points)
There is a below
average analysis of
the health
implications related
to this disaster and
the population at
risk, the risk of
morbidity and
mortality and the
potential impact on
the health care
system. The
analysis is not
supported with the
literature.
( 9 points)
There is below
average provision of
prevention and/or
mitigation measures
that are supported
with the literature.
These measures
are not supported
with the literature.
(2 points)
There is a below
average summary
or conclusion
related to the key
points in the paper.
All new information
is introduced or
conclusion is
missing.
(14 points)
Less than 3
resources beyond
the textbook are
used to support
your plan. Less than
50% are current
within the last 5
years.
environmental
disaster that includes
the severity of
damage. The
summary may not be
clearly supported with
the literature.
(12 points)
There is an average
discussion of whether
the risk for this
disaster is increasing
or decreasing. The
position may not be
clearly supported with
the literature.
15
environmental
disaster that
includes the severity
of damage and is
supported with the
literature.
environmental
disaster that
includes the severity
of damage and is
supported with the
literature.
(14 points)
There is a good
discussion of
whether the risk for
this disaster is
increasing or
decreasing. The
position is clearly
supported with the
literature.
(13 points)
There is a good
analysis of the
health implications
related to this
disaster and the
population at risk,
the risk of morbidity
and mortality and
the potential impact
on the health care
system. The
analysis is clearly
supported with the
literature.
(12 points)
There is an average
provision of
prevention and/or
mitigation measures.
These measures are
not clearly supported
with the literature.
(13 points)
There is a good
provision of
prevention and/or
mitigation measures
that are supported
with the literature
(15 points)
There is an
excellent discussion
of whether the risk
for this disaster is
increasing or
decreasing. The
position is clearly
supported with the
literature.
(15 points)
There is an
excellent analysis of
the health
implications related
to this disaster and
the population at
risk, the risk of
morbidity and
mortality and the
potential impact on
the health care
system. The
analysis is clearly
supported with the
literature.
(15 points)
There is an
excellent provision
of prevention and/or
mitigation measures
that are supported
with the literature
(3 points)
There is an average
summary or
conclusion related to
the key points in the
paper. Mostly new
information is
introduced.
(4 points)
There is a good
summary or
conclusion related to
the key points in the
paper. Some new
information may be
introduced.
(5 points)
There is an
excellent summary
or conclusion
related to the key
points in the paper.
No new information
is introduced.
(16 points)
A minimum of 3
resources beyond the
textbook are used to
support your plan.
50% are current
within the last 5
years.
(18 points)
A minimum of 4
resources beyond
the textbook are
used to support your
plan. 75% are
current within the
last 5 years.
(20 points)
A minimum of 5
resources beyond
the textbook are
used to support your
plan. All are current
within the last 5
years.
(12 points)
There is an average
analysis of the health
implications related to
this disaster and the
population at risk, the
risk of morbidity and
mortality and the
potential impact on
the health care
system. The analysis
is not clearly
supported with the
literature.
HURRICANE KATRINA NATURAL DISASTER
H. APA Format;
Spelling &
Grammar; Clarity
of ideas
(4 points)
APA format is below
average; >15 errors
in grammar or
spelling; Ideas are
not clearly
presented
(6 points)
APA format is
average; 11-15 errors
in grammar or
spelling; Ideas are
almost always clearly
presented
16
(8 points)
APA format is good;
5-10 errors in
grammar or spelling;
Ideas are clearly
presented
(10 points)
APA format is
excellent; <5 errors
in grammar or
spelling; Ideas are
clearly presented
Your research on Katrina was well done, but that was an event 10 years ago. You should have
concentrated on hurricanes as a natural disaster in general. Katrina could have been used as
support to example some things. Your information was comprehensive, well organized, some
areas were synthesized and others not, and lacked application to health populations. Your small
group produced a paper that told of a historical event; it did not resonate with “one voice” in your
writing. There seemed to be segments in the writing where direct quotes were used/not used,
citations done appropriately, others not, and consistently abbreviations not spelled out (in
addition to other grammatical concerns). I do suggest NOT using direct quotes or block quotes.
There was nothing unique in those passages that could not have been paraphrased in your own
words. You should always use your own words except when there is absolutely no other way to
state a rare passage or relay some information. See paper for comments and items that were
corrected. +82/100