P2B 06Hurricane Katrina Overview

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What was Hurricane Katrina?

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One of the deadliest and costliest natural disasters in United States history.

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Where did Hurricane Katrina originate and what was its path?

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Originated in the Caribbean as a tropical storm, intensified into a Category 4 hurricane, crossed over Florida, and made landfall near New Orleans.

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What was the wind speed when Katrina made landfall in New Orleans?

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Approximately 200 km/h.

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What was a critical factor in the disaster caused by Hurricane Katrina?

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A 6-metre high storm surge from the sea causing extensive flooding.

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What geographical characteristic of New Orleans worsened the flooding?

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Part of New Orleans lies below sea level with levees protecting it from flooding.

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What happened to the levees during Hurricane Katrina?

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Some levees collapsed and water flooded into the city.

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What percentage of New Orleans was flooded?

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80% of the city and neighbouring regions were flooded.

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What human factors worsened the disaster during Hurricane Katrina?

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Failure to evacuate, unhygenic conditions at the Superdome, looting, and slow government response.

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What were the conditions like at the Superdome during Hurricane Katrina?

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Unhygienic conditions with a shortage of food and water.

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What was the government's response to Hurricane Katrina?

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Slow to react and overwhelmed by the disaster.