Hurricane Katrina Remembrance Marks 20 Years Across Gulf Coast

The 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina highlights the profound impact the storm had on New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, especially after the levee failures that led to catastrophic flooding. Local news stations like 16 WAPT and WDSU played critical roles during the disaster, providing nonstop coverage and enabling continued reporting even as they faced power outages and operational challenges. Journalists and photojournalists such as Dolly Narhi documented the devastation firsthand, capturing historic moments and helping communities stay informed. The federal government's slow response, including criticism of FEMA leadership under President George W. Bush's administration, contributed to the prolonged suffering after the storm. The legacy of Katrina remains a somber reminder of the vulnerabilities in infrastructure and emergency management, as well as the resilience of local news media in crisis coverage. Revisiting key sites like the London Avenue Canal where levees broke serves as a powerful reminder of the disaster's lasting effects on the Crescent City.