Federalism Katrina and FEMA

Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Katrina

by Logann Sade -
Number of replies: 1

1) What role did the National, State and Local Governments have in preventing, mitigating and reacting to Hurricane Katrina?

I think together, the national, local and state government reacted to hurricane Katrina with shock. No one knew it would have ended up as bad as it did. The National government tried sending troops to save people from the reckless mess caused by Katrina. They sent Navy and Army forces into the disastrous flood. The Local government did the most in helping the Katrina issue.  They provided people with a sense of stability and closure. Giving them a safe place to stay and food to eat. State government didn’t do very much to help the city of New Orleans out. I felt hat they ignored the matter at first and took it just as any other, until they realized how bad the issue was.   

2) Evaluate how each level of government performed its duties. Be specific and back up your points with facts and logic.

Each level of government performed their duties in an equal manner. They sent armed forces/troops in to the flood to rescue the survivors. The local government helped much more than the state government. I think it’s because it mattered more to the city of New Orleans because it was an issue that currently affected their city. The federal government helped out a lot with the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina. The White House received several calls from around Louisiana after Katrina struck.  Although they failed to acknowledge the issue at first, they proceeded later on to help with the damaged caused in the city of New Orleans.

3) After reading the "FEMA and federalism" article, take a stand about the role of the federal government in natural disasters.

I think the federal government did the most during Katrina. They helped out entirely with all that was caused by the disaster. Although the most of the troops were in combat during the hurricane, they still managed to get back within A few days to help with the rescue mission. Hurricane Katrina destroyed thousands of homes and killed several people with its damage.  The people still pulled together after the horrible storm.

In reply to Logann Sade

Re: Hurricane Katrina

by Nicole Kurdziel -

I agree completely with the statement that the local government was the most inovolved during Katrina. It really did matter more to New Orleans because the hurricane obviously hit them. And I like the fact that you pointed out that FEMA didn't respond at first.