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Institute for Crisis, Disaster, and Risk Management Crisis and Emergency Management Newsletter Website |
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March
2007
Volume
12 - Number 3 |
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My Thoughts on Hurricane Katrina By Emma Sanchez My thoughts on Hurricane Katrina are many, but the main thought revolves around the federal government’s interest and multi-million dollar effort to rebuild a city that is situated below sea level. This massive undertaking by both the federal government and local municipalities may prove to be the worst possible rebuilding effort decision for a major United States city ever attempted. The projected tax dollars to be expended on New Orleans, Louisiana, in order to revitalize the city and its surrounding area may prove futile if current unpredictable and devastating weather patterns continue to pound the coasts of the United States in an unpredictable manner. Recent news reports factually confirm the polar ice caps are melting and causing a rise in sea level water throughout the northern hemisphere. Additionally, the number and intensity of hurricanes and related storms are starting to show greater intensity in damaging wind and rain intensity, storm duration, and storm property damage. This is occurring not only in the United States but around the world. In my opinion, these weather patterns are convincing evidence that the potential for increased damage to low lying coastal regions, including the city of New Orleans and associated parishes and towns, remain at extreme risk. Hurricane Katrina should have been a significant “wake-up” call for all coastal regions that have been fortunate in sustaining themselves during periods of weather crisis and high water threats. The levees of New Orleans held for countless years and, with regular patch work, were fairly sturdy until Hurricane Katrina hit. Hurricane Katrina opened the nation’s eyes to the shortfalls that existed within our government emergency preparedness agencies. The one major agency which took the brunt of public and governmental criticism was the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) whose inept attention to detail and lack of inspired leadership during a time of crisis will be remembered for decades to come. Another agency that knew the pitfalls of the coastal levies, where breaches in the walls could/would occur, and the impact of water rushing into residential and commercial areas of New Orleans and neighboring communities was the U.S. States Army Corp of Engineers. Both of these government activities had the opportunity to excel during the crisis of Hurricane Katrina, but were apparently paralyzed to act based on unfounded issues generated by race, severity of residential community flooding, concerns of treating the “well-to-do” different from the welfare recipient, and media coverage that in most cases failed to report some of the positive events that resulted in the saving of lives, preservation of historical artifacts and demonstrated acts of heroism. This lack of attention to detail and fear of honestly speaking to properly preparing for future severe storms and susequeasnt massive flooding will be seen again since the same levies are still being rebuilt, in the same place, to hold back flood water. Residential and community reconstruction is still ongoing also – below sea level – so that a repeat of what was experienced just under two years ago stands a good chance of being repeated again. . In looking to the future, our nation and its emergency preparedness agencies must truthfully recognize that building and rebuilding any structure that is coastal and below sea level is at risk for flooding and all that comes with flooding, including loss of property, human life, personal possessions, and historical artifacts. What’s the solution? Rebuild only the critical infrastructure of the coastal areas that have historic significance and reinforce those areas, including critical privately owned property with the latest technology and materials that can withstand swift rushing water and high velocity winds. Residential areas need not be viewed as a priority for rebuilding until all possible barrier considerations are in place and functional. Only then will improvements be made in placing effective barriers in place to handle severe storms such as Hurricane Katrina and other types of severe weather conditions. |