Issues as Revealed by Hurricane Katrina: A New Federal Disaster Management Plan

Abstract

When Hurricane Katrina, a Category 3 hurricane, first struck New Orleans on August 29th, 2005 many citizens were initially relieved that more damage did not occur. But as levees began to fail, eventually flooding up to 80% of New Orleans, the true level of the disaster began to be realized. Over the next few months, the inadequacies of the United States’ coastal disaster management policy were revealed in a catastrophic manner: 1,836 people dead and over $100 billion in damages. As a result of Hurricane Katrina, as well as other recent coastal disasters, it is evident that current policies are neither effective nor economically beneficial. A new policy needs to be implemented which not only addresses the flaws and shortfalls revealed by recent disasters but also identifies possible future issues. This paper attempts to identify the issues associated with coastal disaster management, discuss current policies, and propose a new coastal disaster management plan for the United States. Throughout this paper, case studies are highlighted which exemplify those areas in need of change as well as previously sound management decisions. As a result of this research, it is clear that an adapted, comprehensive, multi-level natural disaster management plan is needed. The proposed policy would combine both government and private insurance in a way that is both economical and financially viable for all citizens. Lynsey Gaudioso College of Arts and Science, Vanderbilt University