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Introduction
In 2005, the Gulf Coast of the United States was hit by one of the strongest hurricanes in the history of the America. The hurricane had a category 3 rating on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale, caused massive damage of approximately $100 billion, displaced more than 400,000 residents, and led to massive flooding (Heerden 24). The federal government was blamed for being slow with regard to rescuing people, meeting the needs of victims after the storm, poor preparation in the relief effort, and mismanagement. Reponses to the flooding of New Orleans were delayed because of poor preparation by state and federal governments.
Mayor Ray Nagin was highly criticized for failing to implement a food plan that could have helped many victims (Heerden 34). He ordered the victims to reside in shelters that did not have the necessary provisions such as water, food, and security. In addition, he delayed the emergency evacuation order that could have saved many lives. Louisiana’s governor (Kathleen Blanco) declined to take over command of law enforcement and instead sent a request to federal government for more National Guard troops (Heerden 35). The request was delayed. Moreover, Blanco failed to activate a compact with other affected states that could have allowed her to request for additional troops without first directing the application to the National Guard Bureau, which could have saved many lives (Heerden 35).
The U.S. president was slow in responding to the disaster because of inadequate and inefficient information regarding the extent of the storm but promised to do everything in his power to mitigate the problem.
Responses to the crisis
The government played a key role in the rescue efforts even though its response was delayed due to lack of sufficient and efficient information regarding the severity of the disaster. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) summoned 1,000 Homeland security workers to help in the rescue efforts and implemented several measures that slowed the rescue process (Chaudhuri par. 3).
For instance, FEMA barred firefighters and rescue crew from responding to distress calls in affected areas without the authorization of local and state authorities. On the other hand, the agency was adamant to accept assistance from non-government organizations that had potential and resources to help (Chaudhuri par. 3). For instance, the American Red Cross was not allowed to offer its services after the storm. FEMA declined personnel and food supplies from private and government agencies and as such responded inadequately (Chaudhuri par. 5). Evacuation of 25,000 who had moved to the Superdome was one of its positive responses to the disaster.
Pre and Post Katrina city
New Orleans was flourishing before the storm. The Welfare Rights organization helped fight for people’s rights. However, it was completely destroyed and came back a year later to help in reconstruction efforts. Before the storm, people had access to housing, healthcare, education (Queally par.4). The destruction of public schools led to the proliferation of charter schools that have been criticized for selective admission.
People from certain ethnic backgrounds have limited access to education. The aftermath of the storm was catastrophic. For instance, many people in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana were displaced, communication failed, roads and buildings were severely damaged, and many people died (Heerden 41). New Orleans has grown significantly after the disaster even though life for many residents never went back to normal (Queally par.5). The population of the city has changed significantly. Demographic changes threaten to erode the city’s cultural identity that attracted many tourists (McClendon par. 5). The population of whites has increased while that of African Americans has decreased. For instance, the population of African Americans has decreased by approximately 97,000 people (Campbell par. 6).
Latinos have increased by 40% and are actively involved I community activities (Campbell par. 7). According to The Data Centre, the cost of housing soared because of many educated professionals who thronged the city after the disaster (Zimmerman par. 6). This made it difficult for many locals to settle back in because they could not afford the increased housing prices (McClendon par. 6). The rate of high school graduation has risen by 17% because of the proliferation of charter schools. The labor market has improved because there are more high-paying jobs than before the storm. Public schools have improved their performance by fighting corruption and enrolling more students, and rates of crime have gone down (Queally par.7).
According to the Cowen Institute for Public Education Initiatives at Tulane University, the number of students in public schools who score above the state average has increased by approximately 15% (Queally par.7). On the other hand, construction of a $14.5 billion flood protection system makes the city safer (Zimmerman par. 8). The state government has invested more than $1.63 billion in construction of roads, community centers, modern buildings, recreational parks, and playgrounds.
Conclusion
New Orleans was adversely affected by hurricane Katrina. Hospitals, schools, community centers, roads, and buildings were destroyed. Many people were displaced and others were killed. The federal and state governments were slow in responding to the disaster. Ten years later, rebuilding efforts have transformed the city. There are many charter schools, high-paying jobs, housing prices have gone up, and there is a new flood protection system. High school graduation rates have increased and students perform better than before the disaster. Many residents who were displaced did not come back because of the rise in housing prices. The storm devastated the city. However, reconstruction efforts have transformed it into a modern, vibrant, and promising city.
Works Cited
Campbell, Alexia. New Orleans’ Post Katrina Identity Crisis. 2014. Web.
Chaudhuri, Debarshi. Government: Response to Katrina. n.d. Web.
Heerden, Ivor Van. CNN Reports: Hurricane Katrina State of Emergency. New York: Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2005. Print.
McClendon, Robert. Busing in the Band: Will New Orleans Culture Survive the Post- Katrina Boom? 2015. Web.
Queally, Jon. ‘Gulf South Rising’: Ten years After Katrina, Demands for Deep Justice March On. 2015. Web.
Zimmerman, Kim Ann. Hurricane Katrina: Facts, Damage & Aftermath. 2015. Web.
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