Overview
New Orleans Marks 20 Years Since Hurricane Katrina
Commemorative Events and Remembrance
- Anniversary Ceremonies: On August 29, 2025, New Orleans holds ceremonies and gatherings to honor the memory of those lost and the resilience of the city.
- Community Reflection: Residents, officials, and survivors reflect on the catastrophic flooding, the heartbreak, and the remarkable recovery that followed.
- Media Coverage: Local and national media revisit the events of 2005, sharing survivor stories and highlighting the city’s progress and ongoing challenges.
Survivor Stories and Recovery
- Personal Accounts: Survivors recount their experiences during the storm, the chaos of evacuation, and the struggle to rebuild their lives.
- Discovery and Hope: Despite the devastation, the city has witnessed remarkable discoveries and stories of hope, unity, and perseverance.
- Ongoing Recovery: New Orleans continues to rebuild neighborhoods, restore infrastructure, and support those still affected by the disaster.
Ongoing Challenges and Looking Forward
- Flood Protection: The city has invested in improved levees and flood protection systems, but concerns about future storms and climate change remain.
- Community Resilience: The spirit of New Orleans is celebrated, with a focus on music, culture, and the determination to overcome adversity.
- Commemoration: The 20th anniversary serves as a reminder of the lessons learned and the importance of disaster preparedness and community solidarity.
For more, see the CBS News video and coverage.
The Long Recovery on the Mississippi Gulf Coast: 20 Years After Hurricane Katrina
Ground Zero: The Storm’s Impact
- Devastation: The Mississippi Gulf Coast, especially towns like Waveland and Pearlington, was inundated by a 30-foot storm surge and 120 mph winds. Nearly every home in Waveland was destroyed or damaged, and the region lost about 20% to 33% of its population.
- Immediate Aftermath: Federal aid was slow to arrive, forcing local communities to rely on the military and volunteers for food, water, and recovery.
- Losses: 238 people died in Mississippi, and cultural landmarks, such as the United Methodist Gulfside Assembly, were wiped out.
Recovery and Rebuilding
- Massive Volunteer Effort: Over 900,000 volunteers helped rebuild homes, schools, and historic communities like Turkey Creek.
- Federal and State Aid: More than $5 billion in federal grants and support from 48 other states were crucial for recovery.
- Challenges: Stricter building codes, high costs, and slow infrastructure recovery (e.g., police and fire stations) made rebuilding difficult. Many homes and businesses remain empty lots or slabs.
Survivor Stories
- Resilience: Residents like Jayne Crapeau in Pearlington and Waveland Police Chief Michael Prendergast recall harrowing survival stories and the struggle to rebuild their lives and communities.
- Community Spirit: Despite trauma and loss, survivors emphasize hope, perseverance, and the importance of community support.
- Cultural Loss: The destruction of places like Gulfside Assembly was deeply felt, especially in the Black community, but efforts to continue their mission persist.
Ongoing Challenges and Lessons
- Population Decline: Many towns have not fully recovered their pre-Katrina populations, and some neighborhoods remain blighted.
- Economic and Social Recovery: Some areas have rebounded, but others still struggle with empty lots, closed schools, and fewer businesses.
- Preparedness: The experience highlighted the need for robust disaster response and the value of federal assistance programs like FEMA.
Reflection
Former Governor Haley Barbour summed up the region’s spirit: “Katrina revealed character. Our people got knocked down flat, but they got right back up, hitched up their britches and went to work.”
For more, see the NPR report.
August 29, 2025, marks the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, one of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history. Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, a coastal community that was hit especially hard, continues to remember, rebuild, and reflect on the storm’s impact two decades later.
The Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Bay St. Louis
- Landfall: Hurricane Katrina made landfall on August 29, 2005, bringing catastrophic winds and a massive storm surge.
- Destruction: Much of Bay St. Louis was destroyed, with homes, businesses, and infrastructure swept away or severely damaged.
- Loss: The community suffered loss of life, displacement, and the destruction of historic landmarks and neighborhoods.
Remembering the Disaster
- Memorials and Museums: A museum in Bay St. Louis preserves the memory of Katrina, displaying artifacts, photographs, and personal stories from survivors.
- Anniversary Events: Each year, the community gathers to honor those lost and to reflect on the resilience shown in the aftermath.
- Survivor Stories: Residents share memories of the storm, the chaos of evacuation, and the struggle to return and rebuild.
Recovery and Rebuilding
- Community Efforts: Local organizations, volunteers, and faith groups played a crucial role in the recovery process.
- Federal and State Aid: Assistance from FEMA and other agencies helped fund rebuilding, but the process was slow and challenging.
- Resilient Spirit: Despite setbacks, Bay St. Louis rebuilt homes, schools, and businesses, with a focus on stronger, more resilient construction.
Changes Over 20 Years
- Population Shifts: Some residents never returned, while others moved in, changing the community’s makeup.
- Economic Recovery: The local economy has rebounded, with tourism and small businesses returning, but scars remain.
- Preparedness: The disaster led to improved emergency planning and infrastructure upgrades to better withstand future storms.
Ongoing Challenges
- Emotional Toll: Many residents still carry trauma from the storm and its aftermath.
- Environmental Concerns: Coastal erosion and climate change continue to threaten the area.
- Commemoration: The community remains committed to remembering Katrina’s lessons and honoring those affected.
Looking Forward
Bay St. Louis stands as a testament to resilience and hope. The 20th anniversary is not just a time to look back, but also to look forward—ensuring that the lessons of Katrina guide future generations in disaster preparedness and community solidarity.
For more information, visit WBIR.com.
Arkansas National Guard: 20 Years Since Hurricane Katrina
Mobilization and Response
- Deployment: Around 300 Arkansas Guardsmen were deployed to Louisiana and Mississippi, helping secure the Superdome and Convention Center, clearing vehicles, distributing food and water, and preparing people for evacuation.
- Rescues: The Guard saved more than 750 patients and hospital staff from the New Orleans VA Medical Center, and over 620 people were rescued by air from the New Orleans area.
- Aid Delivery: 59 tons of cargo were delivered by air due to impassable roads. The Guard also opened 59 armories in 58 Arkansas counties to register evacuees.
Fort Chaffee: A Refuge for Thousands
- Evacuee Processing: Nearly 10,000 people were flown to Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, with 9,000 processed in just three days. More than 5,000 blankets, 1,200 cots, and 26,000 MREs were distributed.
- Collaboration: Over 500 guardsmen, 30 agencies, 20 social service entities, and 1,000+ volunteers worked together to provide shelter, food, and basic needs.
Reflections and Lessons
- Preparedness Gaps: Katrina revealed gaps in emergency preparedness, such as the need for protective gear and better coordination.
- Career Impact: For many Guardsmen, the experience was life-changing, highlighting the humanitarian impact of their service.
- Legacy: The response fostered a culture of training and coordination that continues to influence the Arkansas National Guard today.
For more, see the KNOE report.