Eric Gay, The Associated PressEvelyn Turner cries alongside the body of her common-law husband, Xavier Bowie, after he died in New Orleans, Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2005. Bowie and Turner had decided to ride out Hurricane Katrina when they could not find a way to leave the city. Bowie, who had lung cancer, died when he ran out of oxygen Tuesday afternoon.
David J. Phillip, The Associated PressFloodwaters from Hurricane Katrina cover a portion of New Orleans Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2005.- Eric Gay, The Associated PressVolunteer Mickey Monceaux carries David Johnson, who could not walk, to safety after he used his boat to rescue Johnson and other residents from a flooded neighborhood on the east side of New Orleans, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2005. Hurricane Katrina left much of the city under water. Officials called for a mandatory evacuation of the city, but many residents remained in the city and had to be rescued from flooded homes and hotels.
- David J. Phillip, Pool, The Associated PressEvacuees wait to be moved from outside the Louisiana Superdome Saturday, Sept. 3, 2005 in New Orleans.
- Bill Haber, The Associated PressA New Orleans family tries to make their way through floodwaters in the downtown area of the Crescent City on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2005. The water continues to rise after Hurricane Katrina pounded the area on Monday.
- John Bazemore, The Associated PressAlex Curtis, 12, sits in front of damage from Hurricane Katrina Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2005 in Biloxi, Miss. Curtis said his family's roof was ripped off in the storm.
- David J. Phillip, Associated Press fileIn this Aug. 30, 2005, file photo, The Louisiana Superdome is shown in this aerial view, which was damaged by Hurricane Katrina, surrounded by floodwaters, in New Orleans. Top researchers now agree that the world is likely to get stronger, but fewer, hurricanes in the future because of global warming, seeming to settle a scientific debate on the subject.
- David J. Phillip, The Associated PressNew Orleans residents wait to be rescued from the floodwaters of Hurricane Katrina Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2005 in New Orleans.
- David J. Phillip, The Associated PressDebris from Hurricane Katrina burns in the background of an area damaged by the hurricane Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2005 in Long Beach, Miss.
- Mario Tama, Getty ImagesResidents wait in line to enter the Superdome which is being used as an emergency shelter before the arrival of Hurricane Katrina Aug. 28, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Hurricane Katrina has sustained winds of 175 mph and is expected to make landfall in the Gulf Coast as early as August 29. A state of emergency has been declared for Louisiana as the Category 5 storm approaches.
- Mari Darr-Welch, The Associated PressLacombe residents Adeline Perkins, Lynell Batiste, Kewanda Batiste, and Ulysses Batiste swim through the flood waters of Hurricane Katrina from their Lacombe, La. home on Monday, Aug. 29, 2005.
- David J. Phillip, The Associated PressHomes remain flooded to the roof by flood waters from Hurricane Katrina Monday, Sept. 5, 2005 in St. Bernard Parish near New Orleans.
- Rob Carr, The Associated PressA woman cries while sitting with her two children after members of the U.S. Coast Guard transported victims of Hurricane Katrina from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center to the airport, Saturday Sept. 3, 2005 in New Orleans, La..
- Dave Martin, The Associated PressHouses in New Orleans 8th Ward are surrounded by water in the flooded city of New Orleans on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2005. Water continues to rise after the onslaught of Hurricane Katrina which pounded the coast on Monday.
- David J. Phillip, The Associated PressFloodwaters from Hurricane Katrina flow through a broken section of a levee Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2005, in New Orleans.
- David J. Phillip, The Associated PressFloodwaters from Hurricane Katrina flow over a levee along Inner Harbor Navigaional Canal near downtown New Orleans Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2005. Hurricane Katrina did extensive damage when it made landfall on Monday.
- Dave Martin, The Associated PressRescue personnel bring flood victims by boat to an Interstate-10 on ramp in the flooded city of New Orleans on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2005. Water continues to rise after the onslaught of Hurricane Katrina which pounded the coast on Monday.
- David J. Phillip, The Associated PressVehicles damaged by Hurricane Katrina sit in floodwaters, Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2005, in Slidell, La.
- David J. Phillip, The Associated PressFlood waters from Hurricane Katrina fill the streets near downtown New Orleans Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2005 in New Orleans.
- David J. Phillip, The Associated PressNew Orleans residents wait to be rescued from the floodwaters of Hurricane Katrina Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2005 in New Orleans.
- David J. Phillip, The Associated PressOrleans Parish prisoners are evacuated from the floodwaters of Hurricane Katrina Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2005 in New Orleans.
- David J. Phillip, The Associated PressA man hangs the American flag among debris in this aerial view of damage from Hurricane Katrina Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2005 in Gulfport, Miss.
- David J. Phillip, The Associated PressAn apartment complex damaged by Hurricane Katrina is shown in this aerial view Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2005 in Long Beach, Miss.
- Eric Gay, The Associated PressIn this Aug. 31, 2005 picture, New Orleans Police and volunteers use boats to rescue residents from a flooded neighborhood on the east side of New Orleans. Hurricane Katrina left much of the city under water.
- David J. Phillip, The Associated PressThis Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2005 picture shows cars piled up among other debris from Hurricane Katrina in Gulfport, Miss.
- David J. Phillip, The Associated PressNew Orleans residents are rescued by helicopter from the floodwaters of Hurricane Katrina Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2005 in New Orleans.
- Dave Martin, The Associated PressA police officer carries an unidentified flood victim away from a helicopter that had airlifted her out of the flood besieged city of New Orleans on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2005. Thousands of flood victims were airlifted to safe ground on Interstate-10 near the downtown and then transported by buses to safer shelters.
- David J. Phillip, Pool, The Associated PressResidents wait to be evacuated from the Louisianna Superdome Thursday, Sept. 1, 2005 in New Orleans.
- Phil Coale, The Associated PressThis is an aerial view of a flooded neighborhood on the east side of New Orleans, La., Thursday, Sept. 1, 2005 after Hurricane Katrina passed through the area last Monday morning.
- Dave Martin, The Associated PressThousands of New Orleans residents gather at a evacuation staging area along Interstate-10 in Metarie, La., on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2005. The residents were either evacuated by air or walked to the Interstate to escape the city still besieged by flooding and no electricity.
- David J. Phillip, The Associated PressResidents are rescued by helicopter from the floodwaters of Hurricane Katrina Thursday, Sept. 1, 2005 in New Orleans.
- Pat Sullivan, The Associated PressEvacuees from New Orleans cover the floor of Houston's Astrodome Saturday, Sept. 3, 2005.
- Rick Bowmer, The Associated PressPatricia Jefferson Joseph cries after viewing A dead body at left just outside the historic French Quarter in New Orleans, La., Sunday, Sept. 4, 2005.
- David J. Phillip, The Associated PressFloodwaters surround homes in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina Sunday, Sept. 11, 2005 in New Orleans.
- Bill Haber, Associated Press fileIn this Aug. 30, 2005 file photo, residents walk through floodwaters on Canal Street in New Orleans, after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Louisiana and Mississippi coasts.
- Carlo Allegri, Getty ImagesAlfredo Velasquez leaves his home with a bag of clothes and his dog Jasmin under his arm after Hurricane Katrina dumped as much as 15 inches of rain as it passed over this community south of Miami Aug. 26, 2005 in Homestead, Florida. Katrina is blamed for at least 5 deaths and millions of dollars in damage from heavy flooding and destruction.
- Chris Graythen, Getty ImagesRoy Marigny (L) wipes his forehead in the heat while waiting for the New Orleans Superdome to open as an emergency shelter ahead of Hurricane Katrina Aug. 28, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The storm is expected to make landfall in the morning of August 29.
- Mark Wilson, Getty ImagesA palm tree lies on Canal Street during the heavy rain and wind from Hurricane Katrina Aug. 29, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Katrina has been down graded to a category 4 storm, tracking to the east of New Orleans.
- Mario Tama, Getty ImagesDebris lies on Canal Street in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina August 29, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Katrina made landfall just east of the city at about 6:00 am (EST) with winds of over 140 mph. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
- Mario Tama, Getty ImagesAn overturned car sits in front of the Superdome in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina August 29, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Katrina made landfall just east of the city at about 6:00 am (EST) with winds of over 140 mph. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
- Mark Wilson, Getty ImagesPeople come out of their homes to a flooded street after Hurricane Katrina hit the area with heavy wind and rain Aug. 29, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Katrina was down graded to a category 4 storm as it approached New Orleans.
- Mark Wilson, Getty ImagesA man walks past two cars that were damaged by falling bricks caused by Hurricane Katrina Aug. 29, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Katrina was down graded to a category 4 storm as it approached New Orleans.
- Mark Wilson, Getty ImagesPeople walk down a flooded street after Hurricane Katrina hit the area Aug. 29, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Katrina was down graded to a category 4 storm as it approached New Orleans.
- Chris Graythen, Getty ImagesRescue workers pull a woman from the water who was hanging onto the roof to escape the rising flood waters from Hurricane Katrina on Aug. 29, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Katrina was down graded to a category 4 storm as it approached New Orleans.
- Chris Graythen, Getty ImagesTwo residents wade through chest deep water after finding bread and soda from a local grocery store after Hurricane Katrina came through the area on Aug. 29, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Katrina was down graded to a category 4 storm as it approached New Orleans.
- Chris Graythen, Getty ImagesA dog waits on the side roof of a house to be rescued by workers after Hurricane Katrina tore though the area with high wind and rain on Aug. 29, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Katrina was down graded to a category 4 storm as it approached New Orleans.
- Chris Graythen, Getty ImagesResidents wade through waist and chest deep water dumped on the New Orleans area by Hurricane Katrina on Aug. 29, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Katrina was down graded to a category 4 storm as it approached New Orleans.
- Chris Graythen, Getty ImagesA wall of windows at the Hyatt Hotel building is shown blown out after Hurricane Katrina passed through Aug. 29, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Katrina roared ashore early this morning, flooding this coastal city, much of which sits below sea level. The storm missed hitting New Orleans directly, but caused massive damage all the same, flooding city streets and battering the roof of the city's Superdome stadium.
- Robert Sullivan, AFP/Getty ImagesResidents look at their house after it was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina 30 Aug. 2005, on the beach in Biloxi, Mississippi. Rescuers battled a humanitarian disaster 30 August, after storm surges whipped up by Hurricane Katrina killed dozens and a canal breach sent a new deluge into already swamped New Orleans. At least 80 people were feared dead along the coast of the southern state of Mississippi, where glitzy casinos, plush homes and shrimp fishing businesses lay in ruins, after a storm surge up to 30 feet (10 meters) high crashed ashore on Monday.
- Robert Sullivan, AFP/Getty ImagesA woman cries after returning to her house and business, destroyed by Hurricane Katrina 30 Aug. 2005, in Biloxi, Mississippi. Rescuers battled a humanitarian disaster 30 August, after storm surges whipped up by Hurricane Katrina killed dozens and a canal breach sent a new deluge into already swamped New Orleans. At least 80 people were feared dead along the coast of the southern state of Mississippi, where glitzy casinos, plush homes and shrimp fishing businesses lay in ruins, after a storm surge up to 30 feet (10 meters) high crashed ashore on 29 August.
- Mario Tama, Getty ImagesA woman is carried out of flood waters after being trapped in her home in Orleans parish during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina Aug. 30, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Katrina made landfall as a Category 4 storm with sustained winds in excess of 135 mph.
- Mario Tama, Getty ImagesA woman is rescued from a school rooftop after being trapped with dozens of others in high water in Orleans parish during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina Aug. 30, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Katrina made landfall as a Category 4 storm with sustained winds in excess of 135 mph. The school, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Charter School for Science and Technology in the Lower 9th Ward, closed since Katrina swept through in 2005 leaving it under 14 feet of water. The school finally re-opened August 13, 2007 to older students and on August 20 served as the first day for kindergarten and pre-K.
- Dave Einsel, Getty ImagesA toxic film spreads over the water near a flooded home in a Lakeside area Aug. 30, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Approximately 100 people are feared dead and estimates put the property loss at nearly $30 billion as Hurricane Katrina could become the costliest storm in US history. It is estimated that 80 percent of New Orleans is under flood waters as levees begin to break and leak around Lake Ponchartrain.
- Dave Einsel, Getty ImagesA neighborhood east of downtown New Orleans remains flooded August 30, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Approximately 100 people are feared dead and estimates put the property loss at nearly $30 billion as Hurricane Katrina could become the costliest storm in US history. It is estimated that 80 percent of New Orleans is under flood waters as levees begin to break and leak around Lake Ponchartrain.
- Dave Einsel, Getty ImagesHomes lie destroyed near Waveland Aug. 30, 2005 in flight over Mississippi. Approximately 100 people are feared dead and estimates put the property loss at nearly $30 billion as Hurricane Katrina could become the costliest storm in US history.
- Mark Wilson, Getty ImagesPeople walk through high water in front of the Superdome Aug. 30, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Thousands of people are left homeless after Hurricane Katrina hit the area yesterday morning.
- James Nielsen, AFP/Getty ImagesResidents are rescued by boats 30 Aug. 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana, following Hurricane Katrina. Hurricane-battered New Orleans was consumed by a catastrophe of unimagined scale Tuesday, cut off from the outside world, submerged by rising floodwaters and troubled by signs of fraying public order.
- Paul J. Richards, AFP/Getty ImagesThe Interstate-90 bridge over St. Louis Bay in Pass Christian, Mississippi, 30 Aug. 2005 is folded and destroyed from the high wind and waves Hurricane Katrina. Hundreds of people may have been killed by Hurricane Katrina along Mississippi's Gulf coast, said Vincent Creel, a spokesman for the devastated city of Biloxi, Mississippi. "You're going to be looking at hundreds dead along the coast of Mississippi," Creel said.
- Barry Williams, Getty ImagesChickens rot in the hot sun Aug. 31, 2005 in Gulf Port, Miss. Hurricane Katrina blew chickens and other materials from warehouses situated along this port city.
- James Nielsen, AFP/Getty ImagesPeople wade in flood water before burning buildings 01 Sept. 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Up to 300,000 survivors from Hurricane Katrina may still need to evacuated from disaster zones in Louisiana, Governor Kathleen Blanco said 01 September 2005. "The whole region could evacuate 200,000, 300,000 maybe more," Blanco told reporters, cautioning that the need to swiftly evacuate people who rode out the hurricane and a murderous storm surge was not just limited to New Orleans.
- Joe Raedle, Getty ImagesHurricane Katrina created a heap of debris and destruction near the Grand Casino September 1, 2005 in Gulfport, Mississippi. Most local residents and businesses along the beach front lost everything due to hurricane Katrina.
- Win McNamee, Getty ImagesThomas Walker of the Redeemer carries a bronze plaque from the the sexton of the Episcopal Church which was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina while walking with lifetime church member Melba Smith Sept. 1, 2005 in Biloxi, Mississippi. Biloxi was devastated by Hurricane Katrina and hundreds are feared dead along the Mississippi coastline.
- Win McNamee, Getty ImagesMarvin Delhomme guards the door of a convenience store as residents are allowed into the store one at a time to purchase goods - the store had no electricity and there was a 20 dollar limit on goods to be purchased September 1, 2005 in Biloxi, Mississippi. Biloxi was devastated by Hurricane Katrina and hundreds are feared dead along the Mississippi coastline.
- Joe Raedle, Getty ImagesSue Brame cries after seeing what is left of her townhouse after her home was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina Sept. 1, 2005 in Gulfport, Mississippi. Local residents who have been devastated by Hurricane Katrina began to receive supplies from relief agencies.
- Robert Sullivan, AFP/Getty ImagesThousands of people stand outside the Superdome in New Orleans 01 Sept. 2005 as they wait to be walked out to busses which will bring them to the Astrodome in Houston and other locations. Survivors of Hurricane Katrina, huddled in sweltering squalor and terrorized by armed gangs, expressed outrage at the authorities' failure to stem rising chaos in New Orleans. Residents trapped in this southern city three days after Katrina lashed the Gulf Coast, leaving thousands feared dead, reported nightmarish scenes of gun battles, fistfights and people dying for simple lack of attention.
- Barry Williams, Getty ImagesMatthew (L) and Jean Meissner sit outside their apartment in which they rode out Hurricane Katrina with no place to go, Sept. 1, 2005 in Biloxi Mississippi. Water from the hurricane rose to the windows on the second floor.
- Mario Tama, Getty ImagesA resident sits near a burning house fire in the 7th ward Sept. 6, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Fire companies are struggling to combat fires in the city with no water pressure and difficult communications.
- David J. Phillip, AFP/Getty ImagesResidents are rescued by helicopter from the floodwaters of Hurricane Katrina 01 Sept. 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
- James Nielsen, AFP/Getty ImagesHurricane Katrina survivors wait outside the Superdome and Convention Center in New Orleans 02 September, 2005. The New Orleans sports arena that housed hurricane refugees for five days in lawless squalor was finally emptied Friday, though many remained stranded with no immediate prospect of evacuation. While relieved to leave the confines of the Superdome, where many testified to pitch-dark nights of gunfire, rioting and rape, the evacuees found the devastated city outside offered little in the way of comfort.
- James Nielsen, AFP/Getty ImagesA body floats outside the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina 02 Sept. 2005.This onetime glittering jazz capital was an armed camp 02 September, as troops backed by armored personnel carriers and helicopters poured in to take on looters and thugs running rampant since Hurricane Katrina struck.The bumper-to-bumper convoys of emergency vehicles rumbling into New Orleans were a welcome sight to thousands of desperate survivors living in terror and scrounging for food and water for four nightmarish days.
- Ross Taylor, Getty ImagesGlenda Thomas sits on the steps which used to be the front of her home Sept. 2, 2005 in Gulfport, Mississippi. Rescue efforts continue as officials in New Orleans and Mississippi fear the death toll from the devastating storm could be in the thousands.
- Nicholas Kamm, AFP/Getty ImagesRug store owner Bob Rue speaks in front of his shop adorned with graffiti warning looters away in New Orleans 04 Sept. 2005. A total of 59 corpses have so far been recovered in New Orleans, senior medical officials said Sunday, cautioning that the first official death toll from Hurricane Katrina was just a fraction of those killed.
- Nicholas Kamm, AFP/Getty ImagesA stranded boy waves a white cloth at a US army helicopter on an overpass near the Superdome in New Orleans 02 September, 2005, as evacuations finally got into full swing five days after hurricane Katrina hit the city. Some 100 people were airlifted from the overpass to the city's airport from where they will transported by bus out of the state to shelter.
- Win McNamee, Getty ImagesU.S. President George W. Bush (L) sits with Patrick Wright on the steps of what was his parents' house Sept. 2, 2005 in Biloxi, Mississippi. Wright's parents survived the storm despite being inside the home while it was destroyed. Bush visited the town of Biloxi, in parts completely devastated, during his tour of the Gulf Coast to view damage caused by Hurricane Katrina.
- Robert Sullivan, AFP/Getty ImagesThe bodies of two Hurricane Katrina victims remain at a door of the Superdome 02 September, 2005, in New Orleans. The bodies were shown on television news broadcasts 01 September.
- Mario Tama, Getty ImagesA police officer keeps watch as a building fire burns in downtown Sept. 2, 2005 in New Orleans. Thousands of troops poured into the city September 2 to help with security and delivery of supplies in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
- Mario Tama, Getty ImagesU.S. Army National Guard soldiers drive past a burning downtown building as they ride in a convoy to distribute food and water to stranded victims at the New Orleans Convention Center Sept. 2, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Thousands of troops poured into the city September 2 to help with security and delivery of supplies in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
- Mario Tama, Getty ImagesStranded victims of Hurricane Katrina wait outside the Superdome to be evacuated Sept. 2, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Thousands of troops poured into the city September 2 to help with security and delivery of supplies in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
- Mario Tama, Getty ImagesStranded victim of Hurricane Katrina, John Wall, waits to be evacuated from the Superdome Sept. 2, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Wall says the injury to his face was the result of a fight at the Superdome. Thousands of troops poured into the city September 2 to help with security and delivery of supplies in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
- A National Guard helps an elderly victim of Hurricane Katrina join a food and water line 02 September, 2005, in New Orleans. A heavily armed military convoy arrived in New Orleans bringing urgently needed supplies, days after Hurricane Katrina devastated the area.
- Marianne Todd, Getty ImagesSigns like these are common on the Mississippi Gulf Coast as water and food become more scarce, remaining residents are taking precautions to prevent looting Sept. 2, 2005 in Biloxi, Mississippi. U.S. President George W. Bush visited the town of Biloxi, which was in parts completely devastated, during his tour of the Gulf Coast to view damage caused by Hurricane Katrina.
- Barry Williams, Getty ImagesThe "Luna Sea," a shrimping boat, lies on the offices of Biloxi pediatrician Dr. Jennifer Gray Sept. 3, 2005 in Biloxi, Mississippi. Area medical services are severely strained by damage and illnesses resulting from Hurricane Katrina.
- Dave Einsel, Getty ImagesRed Cross volunteers man a message center for refugees searching for family members in the Reliant Astrodome Sept. 3, 2005 in Houston, Texas. Houston Mayor Bill White cleared the George R. Brown Convention Center schedule because the Reliant Astrodome is filled to capacity with victims from Hurricane Katrina.
- James Nielsen, AFP/Getty ImagesA stranded victim of Hurricane Katrina waits to be evacuated as an army helicopter takes off from New Orleans International Airport 03 September, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The airport is serving as a triage and evacuation point for victims of Hurricane Katrina. (JAMES NIELSEN/AFP/Getty Images)
- Joe Raedle, Getty ImagesDarlene Jordan takes a shower under a water pipe outdoors Sept. 3, 2005 in Gulfport, Mississippi. She lost her home when Hurricane Katrina came ashore.
- Joe Raedle, Getty ImagesBrian Mollere sits at a table in a makeshift shelter that he erected over the remains of his home that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina Sept. 3, 2005 in Waveland, Mississippi. His mother, who also tried to ride the storm out in the home, was killed. The hurricane killed many people and destroyed many homes throughout the region.
- Mario Tama, Getty ImagesA victim of Hurricane Katrina screams as she is wheeled across the tarmac before she is airlifted by the U.S. military out of New Orleans International Airport Sept. 4, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The airport is serving as a triage and evacuation point for victims of Hurricane Katrina.
- Win McNamee, Getty ImagesResidents of an apartment complex have placed a sign outside their homes Sept. 4, 2005 in Biloxi, Mississippi. Much of the Gulf Coast is still reeling from the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina.
- Joe Raedle, Getty ImagesGeorgia Bureau of Investigation members climb over what remains of homes as they search for bodies in the rubble left by Hurricane Katrina Sept. 5, 2005 in Gulfport, Mississippi. Officials are unclear of the total number of deaths due to the hurricane.
- Mario Tama, Getty ImagesStranded victims of Hurricane Katrina are taken ashore by Air Force National Guard soldiers Sept. 5, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana. An estimated 1.5 million people are displaced due to the devastation along the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina struck the region Aug. 29.
- Chris Graythen, Getty ImagesA firefighter carries hoses through a foot of water to fight a house fire after Hurricane Katrina on Sept. 6, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana. With no water pressure in the city, firefighters have had to rely on aerial support to fight the fires in the area.
- Chris Graythen, Getty ImagesA man wipes his eyes as firefighters try to contain a blaze after Hurricane Katrina on Sept. 6, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana. With no water pressure in the city, firefighters have had to rely on aerial support to fight the fires in the area.
- James Nielsen, AFP/Getty ImagesThis Sept. 1, 2005 file photo shows US soldiers guarding people waiting to leave the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Talk has begun 06 September 2005 about tearing down the storm-damaged Superdome.
- Spencer Platt, Getty ImagesMakeshift crosses stand in the yard of a damaged church Sept. 7, 2005 in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Thousands of residents of the Gulf Coast are still without electricity or access to basic amenities after the devastating hurricane Katrina that has claimed the lives of thousands.
- James Nielsen, AFP/Getty ImagesThe body of a victim of Hurricane Katrina floats in floodwaters in New Orleans 01 September, 2005. Up to 300,000 survivors from the hurricane may still need to evacuated from disaster zones in Louisiana, Governor Kathleen Blanco said Thursday.
- Nicholas Kamm, AFP/Getty ImagesPeople walk past a dead body among the debris and destruction in Biloxi, Mississippi, 30 August 2005 after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast. At least 80 people were feared dead along the coast of the southern state of Mississippi, where glitzy casinos, plush homes and shrimp fishing businesses lay in ruins, after a storm surge up to 30 feet (10 meters) high crashed ashore 29 August. (NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images)
- James Nielsen, AFP/Getty ImagesHurricane Katrina refugees walk past burning homes in New Orleans 01 September, 2005. Up to 300,000 survivors from the hurricane may still need to evacuated from disaster zones in Louisiana, Governor Kathleen Blanco said Thursday.
- James Nielsen, AFP/Getty ImagesA lone women sits in the middle of Bourbon Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, 31 Aug. 2005, in aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. With most of New Orleans submerged and thousands of people trapped by waters strewn with bodies, authorities also fought an outbreak of plundering by locals taking away food, appliances, jewels, clothes and even guns.
- Nicholas Kamm, AFP/Getty ImagesPeople search for their belongings among debris washed up on the beach in Biloxi, Mississippi, 30 Aug. 2005 after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast. At least 80 people were feared dead along the coast of the southern state of Mississippi, where glitzy casinos, plush homes and shrimp fishing businesses lay in ruins, after a storm surge up to 30 feet (10 meters) high crashed ashore 29 August.
- AFP/Getty ImagesWater spills over a levee along the Inner Harbor Navigational Canal in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina 30 August, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is estimated that 80 percent of New Orleans is under flood waters as levees begin to break and leak around Lake Ponchartrain.
Eric Gay, The Associated Press
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Evelyn Turner cries alongside the body of her common-law husband, Xavier Bowie, after he died in New Orleans, Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2005. Bowie and Turner had decided to ride out Hurricane Katrina when they could not find a way to leave the city. Bowie, who had lung cancer, died when he ran out of oxygen Tuesday afternoon.
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By Glen Barber | The Denver Post
PUBLISHED:
Getting your player ready...
On this day – August 29, 2005 – Hurricane Katrina devastates the U.S. Gulf Coast. Katrina was the costliest natural disaster in the history of the United States, as well as one of the five deadliest hurricanes, in the history of the United States.Among recorded Atlantic hurricanes, it was the sixth strongest overall. At least 1,836 people died in the actual hurricane and in the subsequent floods, making it the deadliest U.S. hurricane since the 1928 Okeechobee hurricane; total property damage was estimated at $81 billion (2005 USD),nearly triple the damage wrought by Hurricane Andrew in 1992.