Hurricane Katrina's impact was devastating, with levee breaches leading to widespread flooding in New Orleans. The storm caused nearly 1,400 deaths and displaced thousands of residents. The economic toll was immense, with damages estimated at $200 billion. Vulnerable populations, particularly those in low-lying areas, were disproportionately affected. The disaster highlighted significant gaps in emergency response and infrastructure resilience, prompting nationwide discussions on disaster management and climate adaptation. [Daily Press, 2026]