Effects of Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Katrina was the costliest north Atlantic tropical cyclone ever, which hit the gulf coast region of United States on August 28th, 2005. Several people lost their lives and many were left homeless. The environmental damage and severe threats to public health were other outcomes of hurricane Katrina. It was recorded as the sixth strongest hurricane till date. Among the affected areas, most severe devastation occurred in New Orleans, Mississippi and Louisiana. The severe devastating effects of hurricane Katrina were incurred mostly due to flooding.

Hurricane Katrina: Economical Effects

In general, hurricanes cause little economic effects that too in the areas where the hurricanes hit directly. Considering this, hurricane Katrina was different from the prior incidents of hurricanes. According to the Bureau of Economic Crisis (BEA), the overall economic impact of hurricane Katrina was estimated to be about 150 billion dollars, which was the priciest natural disaster in the United States history. The major factors that contributed to such an extensive economic impact were fallouts of oil supply, food export, tourism and other forms of trade and business.

The Gulf coast contributed to about 10 percent of the nation's oil supply, which was disturbed due to hurricane Katrina. As a result, oil and gasoline prices were soared high. Luckily, no catastrophic damage was incurred in the oil infrastructure. Hence, the situation was under control within the next 9 months. In addition to disruption in the national economy, a damage to private and public properties also contributed to the overall economical effects of hurricane Katrina. The economy of the country was slow down significantly due to hurricane Katrina. .

Hurricane Katrina: Environmental Effects

The environmental damages and threats on public health were the longest-lasting effects of hurricane Katrina. The industrial wastes, oil spills, household sewage, toxic chemicals and other hazardous pollutants had swept to the directly hit areas as well as neighboring regions. The contaminated floodwater that overflowed the residential areas caused long-term health effects on humans, animals and other inhabitants of the area. It also resulted in pollution of groundwater reserves, which is a major water source for drinking purposes.

Studies revealed that the water samples of floodwater contain high amounts of E. coli bacteria, medical waste, sewage, oil, toxic lead, hexavalent chromium and arsenic along with particulate matter. As a strategy to prevent severe health complications, household water pipes were repaired and replaced. Though it was claimed that oil spills had been cleaned completely, the environmentalists are of the opinion that the effects of hurricane Katina will continue to affect the ecology and biodiversity for many years.

Hurricane Katrina: Social Effects

The facts about hurricane Katrina reveal that more than 1800 people lost their lives due to this disaster . In addition, hundreds of people were left without homes, jobs and social security. Majority of the people residing on the Gulf coast have had a different story to share about the effects of hurricane Katrina. Most of them had lost family members and relatives. There were lack of food, water and sanitary hygiene. Those who suffered through hurricane Katrina and aftermath suffered from emotional and psychological stress.