Devastation, turmoil and chaos are but a few words to describe the events on August 29, 2005 in the state of Louisiana and surrounding areas. Hurricane Katrina made a wicked path throughout the state, with damage ranging from Texas to central Florida leaving behind mind-boggling destruction and widespread panic. Nearly 2,000 victims perished in five states, primarily Louisiana, while survivors grasped to hang on. As the rest of the nation watched their cruel reality, we witnessed what became known then as the deadliest and “costliest” storm in American history.
FEMA estimated $108 billion in total Katrina damages.
According to the Data Center: 40% of victims drowned, 25% succumbed to injury and trauma with 11% suffered from heart conditions. Almost half of the victims were 74 years old or older.
The dysfunction of the government’s infrastructure became apparent with a delayed response to victims in need. Most notably, former President George W. Bush waited days before he responded and surveyed the damage from a plane, never touching the ground to offer support.
Kanye West said it best.
Rebuilding efforts continue even today. What has become an anniversary to the rest of us is an everyday reality to those still in NOLA. On the 11th anniversary, here are 11 never-to-be-forgotten images encapsulating the flood-ravaged area.
Trigger warning: The images below depict some of the harsh realities of Hurricane Katrina.
1. Stranded hurricane survivors signal for help on a rooftop.
2. Families wading through water in search of shelter.
3. Patients evacuated from a hospital.
4. An aerial view of the flood damage.
5. A makeshift grave for a body that remained on a sidewalk for days.
6. Five days after the storm hit, thousands wait outside of the Superdome to be evacuated.
7. A man awaiting rescue holds on tightly to a submerged van.
8. Children brought to safety mid-air by the national guard.
9. A woman and her newborn await evacuation at the New Orleans Convention Center.
10. This 5-year-old holds hands with an elderly survivor as the two exit the Convention Center.
11. Families eagerly receive food and water dropped from helicopters.
