Hurricane Katrina- a Natural Disaster

Did you know that a hurricane is basically a small tornado? When warm air and cool air collide over a large water source such as a sea or ocean, a hurricane is made. Hurricane Katrina just happened to be the second largest hurricane in United States history. Being formed in the Caribbean Sea, it was at first a category 1 hurricane. It gained strength in the Gulf of Mexico, placing it’s rank at category 5. After hitting Louisiana at it’s highest peak, it decreased to category 3.

Winds at 120 miles per hour and waves as tall as three stories high put together the most horrifying event ever known to Americans. During evacuation, many people fled to a safe area in search of shelter. Texas was one place that most people went to since they welcomed them more than any other state. However, after the victims got there, crime soared and Texans had no way to control or deal with so much crime. Because of this, it is very unlikely that Texans will welcome victims with such hospitality next time. There was, however, a dome built to house the Katrina victims: the Astrodome.

Even though the Katrina victims had so many places to go, some were forced to stay behind because of hospitalization, they were abandoned by their caretakers, a lack of transportation, e. t. c. Out of all areas that were hit by Katrina, New Orleans suffered the most damage. 80% of the city was flooded. About 204,000 homes were either damaged permanently or temporarily and more than 800,000 citizens uprooted from New Orleans. The population shrunk to 75% of it’s original population. The number of homeless people doubled to 12,000 people within two years.

Experts have estimated that it will take 8 to 11 years for New Orleans to fully recover from Katrina. Most people think of hurricane deaths as direct, but in reality, deaths caused by hurricanes are mainly indirect. Some examples of indirect deaths caused by Katrina are suicide, illness, murder, starvation, and dehydration. Mental illness and tragic suffering can lead many people to suicide. Lack of medical care can lead to infection or weakness, causing more deaths. Because of lack police force, crime rate and murder was at it’s peak.

Since there was no way to access food overseas or through land, starvation and dehydration was very common. During and after Hurricane Katrina, the economy crashed. There was an estimated $200 billion worth of economic damage. Not only did the prices for gasoline, oil, and other chemicals increase, but there were shortages in many areas all over America. The failed economy in America also upset the economy internationally. India, Iran, Russia, and Cuba were just some other countries affected by the international terror. Oil was the part of the economy that was affected the most.

There were about 580 reports of oil, petroleum, and other hazardous chemical spills. Only one of these spills alone would release about 1 million gallons of oil. Because of this, they had to reduce oil use greatly to have any remaining at all. Another reason is that 60% of oil imports traveling through the Gulf couldn’t get through. In consequence, the Department of Energy was forced to release 30 million barrels of emergency oil. Through all of these disappointments, there is some pleasure caused by Hurricane Katrina. It caused the construction of of innovation funds.

In time, the areas hit by Katrina were renovated and the most beautiful that they’ve ever been. There was also an international hurricane awareness introduced by Katrina. Other countries and America now know to be more prepared for future hurricanes similar to Katrina. It also created the ability to redevelop land using more modern technologies. The land hit today has the most advanced technology in the country. Even though Katrina has had some good outcomes, it was overall horrid. It has affected America and the rest of the world in sad, cruel ways.

Thousands of people died, others were relocated, supplies were minimized, and it took people years to recover from their experience. “not just a disaster of nature, but a breakdown of government. ” The words of Barack Obama, current President of the United Stated. Seven years have passed by, and since 2005, America had made great progress. Besides the very few places and people that are still recovering, it is almost as if these horrid times have never existed. But even though damage has almost gone away completely, we will always remember the damage and hardships that were due to Hurricane Katrina: a natural monster.