Hurricane Katrina

Quick Notes CRISIS IN NUMBERS 90,000 sq mile disaster zone - equivalent to area of United Kingdom. 10,000 originally feared dead - revised down by government. 60 nations have offered aid as well as UN, NATO and WHO. 13 states now have a state of emergency in force.

A day to day look at how Hurricane Katrina came to cause so much destruction through the Gulf of Mexico.

Sunday 28 August 2005

Hurricane Katrina gains strength over the Gulf of Mexico after already hitting Florida. Mayor Ray Naggin orders the evacuation of New Orleans after the strong winds become a category five hurricane, maxium strength. Congestion builds up on motorways as many people obey the order to leave, however, many people refuse to stay and seek refuge in the super dome.

Monday 29 August 2005

Hurricane Katrina hits the Gulf coast battering many states including Louisiana and Alabama. Many parts of New Orleans are now flooded. Winds of up to 100 mph rip part of the roof of the stadium off where around 9,000 people take refuge.

Wednesday 31 August 2005

Mayor Ray Naggin orders the full evacuation of the city and reports that possibly thousands of people have been killed by hurricane Katrina. Armed police try to bring law and order to the city as looters take over. President Bush cuts short his holiday in Texas to take charge of the federal recovery effort.

Friday 2 September 2005

The relief effort is stepped up as military convoys arrive with supplies of food, water and medicine. Extra national guard units are brought into New Orleans to control the lawlessness which has spread through the city. Thousands of people are still stranded on rooftops and buildings waiting to be rescued. George Bush promises long term help with rebuilding the city and congress approves an aid package of $10.5 billion.

Monday 5 September 2005

People who left New Orleans from the hurricane are aloud back into the city briefly to view there houses and collect personal items. A 6.00 curfew is set.

Tuesday 6 September 2005

Engineers start to pump the water out of the city through the flood defence barriers. Mayor Ray Nagin orders forced evacuation because of fears of peoples health.



Wednesday 7 September

The white house reports it is looking for another $51.8 billion to help with the relief efforts in New Orleans and surrounding areas. The authorities confirm that five people have died because of the water being contaminated and unsafe. As the water lowers the rescue teams start to recover bodies with fears that thousands have died.