Lessons From Katrina That Could Help Us Today

I was thrilled to graphic record the 2020 Natural Hazards Research and Applications Workshop again this year.  The workshop brings together hazards and disasters researchers and practitioners, government, nonprofit, and humanitarian organizations, all dedicated to alleviating the impacts of disasters.
 
I learned so much from each session, but the one that stands out the most for me is a panel about the 15th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.  It was a heartbreaking catastrophe with lessons so relevant to what we’re facing today that I feel compelled to share them.

Takeaways from the Panel: Katrina@15: Looking Back To Move Forward  

Looking Back We Learned

Existing Inequalities are enhanced by natural disasters.
When disaster strikes, white middle class people grow wealthier while people of color lose property and wealth.
 
The biggest disaster is often the loss of dignity.
After Katrina, the city’s idea of rebuilding included tearing down housing units to build new condos.  People lost their homes, their family networks, social infrastructure, and community.  This left them feeling abandoned and betrayed in the same way people with COVID19 feel expendable.
 
Regardless of political parties, the government will not meet our expectations.
 

Moving Forward We Must

Create systems that support justice and equality.

• Focus on long-term recovery by restoring communities, not property.

• Maintain social infrastructure and keep families together.

Facilitate economic dignity.

• Include community members and local leaders in decisions about the best ways to do restoration.

Create a movement for social change.
After three days of listening deeply to the speakers at this workshop and seeing the way they came together to solve problems, I'm encouraged that change is underway.