Hurricane Katrina Anniversary Reflects Deadliest US Storm Impact

Hurricane Katrina, which struck the Gulf Coast 20 years ago, remains one of the deadliest and most destructive natural disasters in U.S. history, resulting in over 1,800 deaths and massive flooding that submerged 80% of New Orleans. The failure of the levees led to widespread devastation, with thousands trapped in locations like Charity Hospital and the Convention Center. Recovery efforts were extensive and prolonged, highlighted by the deployment of thousands of National Guard troops, including the Arkansas National Guard, who played critical roles in restoring order, distributing aid, and processing evacuees. Survivors like photojournalist Clarence Williams and emergency physician Erica Fisher reflect on the tragedy's impact, emphasizing resilience, community strength, and the vulnerabilities exposed in healthcare infrastructure. Despite rebuilding efforts, some neighborhoods, particularly the historically Black Lower 9th Ward, continue to struggle with population and housing recovery. The disaster also prompted improvements in emergency preparedness, infrastructure, and interagency cooperation to better handle future crises.