On August 29th, 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana as a deadly Category 5 storm. The impact of the storm was proven to be so severe that the winds caused the levees to break causing 80% of New Orleans to be submerged in water.

         Some areas experienced flooding between 10 to 20 feet.

       In addition to property damage, Hurricane Katrina has proven to be the deadliest storm in Louisiana history taking the lives of over 1,800 individuals. As well as many people were displaced from their homes.

          Following the storm, residents were left distraught seeing what their homes was once now wreckage and debris.

          Director of Engineering Ryan Foster spoke about the logistics of Katrina. His department operates and maintains the flood protection authority in East Jefferson, Orleans, and St. Bernard parishes under the east bank of the Mississippi river.

           “We’ve gotten an improved levee system since hurricane Katrina, but like I said, one of the most important things is the general public listening to the authorities and heading their warnings.”

            Foster explains how the new levee system is designed to withstand a storm like Katrina. He also encourages the public to listen and take the authorities seriously because the levees can only protect a person’s life to a certain extent.

            “The current system was designed as a result of hurricane Katrina, but it is a risk reduction system, so it does not eliminate all risks… the idea is that it’s in place to protect property but not life.”

            Foster was able to shed light on the effects of the storm and the importance of being able to learn from mistakes that were made. Along with ensuring the safety of residents, there is also year-round levee inspections to make sure that when another major storm hits- New Orleans is prepared.