Katrina Disaster Phases

Disasters can be chaotic and extremely unpredictable. Experts have developed a common cycle of five accepted psychological phases a community progresses through from the time a disaster strikes to the final reconstruction phase. Each of the five phases was evident during the 2005 Hurricane Katrina that devastated the Gulf Coast.

The first phase is the pre-disaster phase. In this period communities plan and prepare for disastrous events. Participants include government officials, psychologists, community leaders, municipal planners and individuals who would be impacted by a disaster. Many disasters vary in the amount of warning communities receive to prepare before the disaster occurs. As an example, a hurricane usually arrives within days

Typically, the search and rescue phase lasts for a couple hours to a couple days following a disaster. In the case of Hurricane Katrina, the search and rescue phase lasted weeks. The lack of preparedness turned a natural disaster into a catastrophe for the socially vulnerable population. Approximately 28% of the residents in New Orleans live below the poverty line. In a case study called “Vulnerable Populations” Dr. Richard Zoraster (2010) mentions “Hurricane Katrina demonstrated many of the risk within the United States. These factors include poverty, home ownership, poor English, ethnic minorities, immigrant status and high density housing”. Social vulnerable populations are at risk during a disaster because of their socio-economic standing. Lack of money and transportation hindered their attempts to evacuate. Furthermore, a large number of residents did not trust the local authorities and refused to evacuate. During Hurricane Katrina, socially vulnerable populations lived in the areas most susceptible to levees

Trailers, tents and plywood houses were replaced with permanent physical structures. Beyond the physical devastation, the hurricane led to mental health problems among survivors. Years after the hurricane, victims suffered serious mental health problems such as PTSD, depression, suicidality substance abuse and anxiety. Survivor post-disaster psychological care was instrumental in a renewed sense of hope and strength. Till this day parts of the city are still in ruins.

Hurricane Katrina caused $81 billion in property damage. It is estimated that the total economic impact in Louisiana and Mississippi exceeded $150 billion. Katrina earned the title of being the costliest hurricane ever in United States history. Hurricane Katrina revealed and verified the link among race, place and vulnerability within groups. The survivors of Katrina still bear the psychological scars. However, with the help of psychological care, the survivors ultimately displayed resiliency.

Hurricane Katina caused $81billion in property damages. It is estimated that the total economic impact in Louisiana and Mississippi exceeded $150 billion. Katrina earn the title of costliest hurricane ever in US history. Hurricane Katrina made clear the linkages among race, place and vulnerability within groups. The survivors of Katrina still bear the psychological scars. However, with the help of psychological care, the survivors ultimately