Hurricanes pose significant risks to life and property, particularly in low-lying coastal areas. For example, Hurricane Katrina caused catastrophic flooding in New Orleans when levees failed, submerging 80% of the city under up to 15 ft (4.5 m) of water. The Galveston Hurricane of 1900 swept away entire neighborhoods with its storm surge, while Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico's infrastructure, leaving the island without power for months. These events underscore the dangers of storm surges, flooding, and high winds, which can uproot communities and disrupt essential services for years.