Introduction
Hurricane Katrina was a destructive storm happened in the United States that affected most individuals psychologically and physically. It led to massive destruction of property, death of many individuals and damage of the eco-system. Indeed, Hurricane Katrina presented immense impact along the US coastline that resulted in social and economic disintegration.
The disastrous event was caused by rapid seismic and strong movement of wind that was blowing along the coastline. This led to heavy flooding in most cities in America, especially towns located near the coastline, such as New Orleans. The destruction that was evident as a result of the event made authorities to embark on their ambitious plans in order to curb any possible outcomes of Hurricane Katrina along the coastline.
This paper gives comprehensive information on Hurricane Katrina with focus on its destructive nature and preventive measures necessary in curbing its effects.
Understanding Hurricane Katrina, its destructive nature and effects
As noted, Hurricane Katrina that took place in 2005 remains the most destructive storm that has ever taken place along the American coastline. The storm that was as a result of strong blowing wind and rapid seismic movement caused turmoil in the country. It affected the nation politically, socially, culturally and economically (Abramson, Richard & Irwin 1).
For instance, the event led to immense human losses. Many people, adults as well as children, were swept away by the heavy floods. Their lives appeared in a setting which could not be regarded as a precious commodity. This exposed most individuals to psychological torture and mental instability, which has also affected their social capacity (Abramson, Richard & Irwin 2).
The event also led to massive loss of property and investments in the region. This affected the economic status of the state which performance had been remarkable before the event. Consequently, the storm led to the destruction of the eco-systems that acted as cultural and social centers along the coastline. The floods led to the destruction of key social and cultural centers that served as recreational areas.
This was evident since the floods swept away vegetation and serene features that were available in the region (Artiga, Adrianne Michael, David, & Adele 1). As noted, the effects of Hurricane Katrina were severe due to poor level of preparedness by various individuals and government. Therefore, it is prudent for authorities in the US to develop pertinent policies and guidelines to enhance the level of preparedness to curb any kind of disaster.
Prevention of hurricane, political, social and cultural impact
Hurricane Katrina caused a severe humanitarian crisis in the US that justifies the need for the adoption of the ideal preventive measures. This is critical in ensuring that the public are safe from the effects of such an event in future (Artiga et al 1). Indeed, less focus had been given to the preventive measures of Hurricane Katrina before it happened.
Government authorities, such as marine armies and health officials, have only been focusing on rescuing mission of injured people. They have not been engaged in sensitizing the public on the best preventive measures that they could adopt to protect themselves from the effects of Hurricane Katrina. Lack of information on preventive measures is one of the elements that led to the immense losses and death of individuals during the hurricane (Davis, Jill, Gary, Agnes & Laurinda 1).
As indicated, the public were not fully aware of the signs of hurricane flood. They were only concerned on and surprised at the wind blowing strongly from the sea without the knowledge that a heavy storm was eminent. Noticeably, lack of credible information made them neglect the need of taking effective precautionary measures that could help them avoid getting affected by the flood.
This explains why preventive measures were not adequately put in place to caution the public about the danger so that they would not have incurred severe suffering (Davis et al 2). It is clear that authorities should re-focus on providing effective preventive measures instead of concentrating on rescuing missions. This is essential since preventive measures hold the capacity of reducing the level of negative outcomes.
The measures ensure that individuals are able to notice the signs of major disasters and take precautionary actions. Key preventive measures that should have been put in place include building or construction of flood and wind breakers. Public sensitization on the causes and signs of hurricane is also a key preventive measure.
These measures would have helped in cautioning the residents of New Orleans about the effects of Hurricane Katrina if they could have received effective sensitization (Holzer & Rober 2). Consequently, the event presented severe political, social, cultural and economical effects in the regions along the coastline and the entire nation.
It changed individual’s perspectives on key issues that relate to politics, social and cultural and economic activities. In particular, the event affected the economic stability of the region due to the evident losses.
The region’s economy that had been thrilling was reduced to nothing since the flood destroyed all the factors of production. This changed economic policy making in the region as the focus was put on precautionary measures. The aim of the new initiative is to ensure that trade and commercial activities are safeguarded through insurance schemes that facilitate compensation incase an event occurs.
Zinn (1) noted that the event affected various individuals socially and culturally. This was evident since it led to loss of life and destruction of eco-systems. This has transformed social demeanor of most individuals that in turn leads to psychological torture.
It also resulted in the destruction of key cultural sites that had a lot of significance to various communities. Destruction of historical sites threatens to impede cultural integration since such places enable individuals to understand their historical background. This has changed cultural practices as most individuals are now deviating from the cultural practices; especially, it is evident among young people.
They tend to adopt modern way of life and practices that are not in consonance with their traditions in some cases (Zinn 1). The event also presented political implications in the coastal region and the nation at large.
Firstly, it became the focal point of campaigns in America with most politicians promising to eradicate its effects and support the victims. Political leaders affirmed that they would make laws that would ensure effective mitigation of the traumatizing event in a holistic manner.
Conclusion
Indeed, the destruction that was evident as a result of the event has made US authorities to develop viable modalities to curb any possible occurrence of Hurricane Katrina. They craft viable modalities and strategies to ensure that amicable solutions are provided to mitigate the causes of the storm. The main aim of the initiative is to facilitate social, political, economic and cultural integration in the USA all the time.
Works Cited
Abramson, David., Richard, Garfield & Irwin, Redlener. “The Recovery Divide: Poverty and the Widening Gap among Mississippi Children and Families Affected by Hurricane Katrina.” 2007. Web.
Artiga, Samantha., Adrianne, Dulio., Michael, Perry., David, Rousseau & Adele, Shartzer. “Voices of the Storm: Health Experiences of Low-Income Katrina Survivors.” 2006. Web.
Davis, Lynn E., Jill, Rough., Gary, Cecchine., Agnes, Schaefer & Laurinda,. Zeman. “Hurricane Katrina: Lessons for Army Planning and Operations.” 2007. Web.
Holzer, Harry J & Robert, Lerman. “Employment Issues and Challenges in Post-Katrina New Orleans.” 2005. Web.
Zinn, Jeffrey A. “Coastal Louisiana Ecosystem Restoration after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.” 2005. Web.