Public Policy and Disaster Response

Public Policy and Disaster Response

Introduction

On August 29, 2005, one of the worst storms in history made landfall in the United States' southern region. This massive storm's name is Hurricane Katrina. It destroyed southern states such as Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. This storm affected the lives of people from all over the United States, mainly in New Orleans, Gulf coast, New Jersey and New York. Several individuals went without living in their homes, clothing, water, and some even without food. One of the most damaged areas was the city of New Orleans. Eighty percent of the city flooded due to breaches of the levee system; because of the tragedies of this storm, America became a “new” America. This research is on the incident of Hurricane Katrina and Sandy and its aftermaths, on the cities of New Orleans and Gulf coasts, New Jersey and New York City up till now.

Discussion

New Orleans and the Gulf Coast before, during, and after Hurricane Katrina

The hurricane hit the city of New Orleans, in the state of Louisiana for five years, the August 29, 2005. The category 5 hurricane of course to Florida has been diverted to the Gulf Cost taking direct course to New Orleans to get back at the last moment to the coasts of Mississippi and Alabama. The warnings from the National Hurricane Center by assigning characteristics potentially do not prevent catastrophic damage, which is devastating.

On August 26, the state of Mississippi (Gulf Coast) launched its National Guard in preparation for the storm landfall. In addition, the state government activated its Emergency Operations Center the next day, and local governments began issuing evacuation orders. Immediate steps which were taken for the recovery process of New Orleans and Gulf Coast are;

The arrival of supplies and reinforcements assistance from state, FEMA and the American Red Cross, to the emergency declared by the local authority fails to remedy the situation to the difficulties in getting supplies to the needy.

The situation in the Superdome becomes critical and at times very violent at the overcrowding and lack of light and food.

Nearly two days later the commotion has not yet allowed articulating any response effective state and federal emergency aid for these characteristics.

Local security forces are exceeded between looting and difficult rescue people despite having received reinforcements.

The beginning of the evacuation of people in poor condition from the Superdome should interrupt overnight unknown before shooting against a helicopter.

A day later finally New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin in a desperate new claim of action to federal appeals amid swinging criticisms, to the intervention of President Bush himself who travels to the area.

Then has been taken the decision to send National Guard troops in order to regain control of the streets and stop the anarchy. Numerous airborne and amphibious media and installation at the airport in a large hospital allow you to start the evacuation of collapsed hospitals, procurement and operations in large scale rescue and evacuation of people.

The prospects for recovery in New Orleans almost ...