New Orleans’ Hidden Risk: Could Katrina Happen Again?

WooGlobe

It’s been 20 years since Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, claiming nearly 1,400 lives and exposing the city's catastrophic flood protection failures. Since then, billions have been spent to rebuild and reinforce its defenses. But are those efforts enough?  While the city now has stronger levees and barriers, the natural wetlands that once absorbed storm surges are disappearing fast. And with Louisiana canceling a key restoration project in 2025, experts fear the city could be vulnerable once again. WooGlobe Ref : WGA897787 For licensing and to use this video, please email licensing@wooglobe.com

Transcript

00:00Is New Orleans safer today than when Hurricane Katrina hit 20 years ago?

00:04The answer might shock you.

00:06Back in 2005, Katrina shattered New Orleans and exposed the deadly flaws in its flood defenses.

00:12Nearly 1,400 lives were lost.

00:15But the tragedy wasn't a surprise.

00:17Scientists had warned about the exact scenario years earlier.

00:21In response, $14 billion was poured into stronger levees, floodgates, and storm surge barriers.

00:27And for a while, it worked.

00:29Storms like Hurricane Ida in 2021 proved the system could hold.

00:33But beneath the surface, danger is rising again.

00:37Vital coastal wetlands, the natural buffer against storm surges, are disappearing fast.

00:42And just this July, Louisiana canceled a major wetland restoration project already under construction.

00:48Experts are calling it a devastating step backward.

00:51New Orleans is stronger than it was, but still sinking.

00:54Storms are getting fiercer.

00:55And without wetlands, no wall will be high enough.

00:59Have we already forgotten the brutal lessons of Katrina?

01:01Do you know?

01:04Do you know stories of Katrina?

01:06Do you know it?

01:19Do you know it?

01:20Do you know why they're coming to the lake?

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