An Overview of the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina

August 31, 2005

New Orleans is without fresh water, sewerage services, garbage disposal, electricity, phone service, roads, bridges, etc. It is a non-functioning city with a large poor population and it needs help. In fact, it may be in more immediate need of help than NYC was on 9/11, and it may need more help than many of the places that EWB-USA is planning to help. The first priority is saving lives, but without roads, bridges, and some of the basic services in place, that will be hard to do. While medical personnel are needed, so too are engineers.

I've tried to reach some New Orleans, LA engineers by cell and e-mail over the last day or so, but I haven't been able to get through by phone and haven't had a response to the e-mail.

Following the attempts to save lives, the big problem now is water pouring into the city from breaches in some of the levees. From what I know, the USACE is trying to fill the holes, but is not having much success. Unless and until they can stop the water from entering the city and adjoining suburbs, the water level in those areas will continue to rise until it equalizes. Then, it will be necessary to pump the water out, but this effort could be hampered due to pump damage, fuel/energy supplies, and ways to get to the pumps. Roads and bridges have been damaged so some form of water route may be required. Routes also need to be established to bring food, drinking water, and other essential supplies to the areas and people that need them. The construction equipment in the area may not be accessible or it may be damaged by the flood waters or other aspects of the hurricane, so there may be equipment needs, too.

I would think that water-borne and water-transmitted diseases will be a problem soon, too, because of the 90-plus degree heat, the sewerage that has mixed with the flood waters, and the dead animals and humans in the water. After the water is lowered, the decaying process will accelerate since a ready supply of oxygen will be available. The water supply and the water lines will need to be disinfected; water lines will also need to be installed and/or repaired since there have been ruptures.

David E. Lourie, P.E.
G-I Member
Louisiana Section/New Orleans Branch

The G-I OF ASCE RESPONDS

On behalf of its 10,000 members worldwide, the Geo-Institute of ASCE extends its condolences to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. We join with the nation in sorrow over the magnitude of the loss and suffering, and pledge our support to help restore the well-being of the affected states. Like most of you, I have been watching the devastation occurring along the gulf coast with horror and alarm. Many of us have relatives and friends that were in the storm's pathway, and who are in the areas affected by the aftermath. The images of the Indonesian Tsunami are still too fresh in our minds. It is hard to imagine the feeling of helplessness and hopelessness that the victims must be feeling. It seems clear that the organizations that have experience in responding to large disasters (e.g., Red Cross, FEMA, Corps of Engineers, public safety agencies, and other relief agencies) will and must step in to take the lead in stabilizing the situation. I know that we all want to help, but it will take more than just showing up. If we know of resources of that nature, let's encourage them to volunteer.

Currently, the focus is on humanitarian aid and the greatest need is for financial contributions. ASCE has a long-standing partnership with the American Red Cross. You may make contributions to the hurricane victims directly through the Red Cross at http://www.redcross.org/

Volunteers should not report directly to the affected areas unless directed by a voluntary agency. The American Red Cross has an ongoing need for engineers who are trained in disaster response and ready for deployment. To volunteer in that capacity, we urge you to contact your local American Red Cross chapter at http://www.redcross.org/donate/volunteer/. ASCE is currently in the process of planning a course of action to respond to this catastrophic tragedy. When we have more information we will let you know how you can help.

Arlan H. Rippe, P.E.
President, Geo-Institute