Chapter 1.3

In the United States, hurricanes are one of the most vicious, and damaging of all natural disasters. These storms cause flooding, severe wind damage, erosion to costal shorelines and damage to property. With an ever-increasing population along the East Coast and Gulf Coast regions of the United States the need for preparedness is evident.

Hurricane Katrina:
Hurricane Katrina made landfall in 2005, and was a natural disaster of epic proportions. It caused a total of 81 billion dollars in damage, as the storm made landfall in Louisiana, and move Northeast over the United States. It left 101,900 people in its wake, housed “temporarily” in 37,745 FEMA mobile home trailers. This storm is clear evidence of the need for a predetermined relief strategy, especially in the area of housing and shelter. After Katrina struck FEMA was there, but arrived late. A 72-hour response time is standard for FEMA, but this was clearly not an appropriate response. The need for a 24-hour minimum response after the storm passed became evident, and expected by those victims caught in the aftermath. Most disturbing was the lack of shelter response by FEMA. As soon as the waters receded, clearing and rebuilding should have taken place and a shelter for each individual should have been provided immediately to all who required it.

Hurricane Ike:
Late 2008 Hurricane Ike began to form off the Cape Verde islands. Early on this storm had a clear development and was becoming a serious threat to the United States. September 10th President George W. Bush declared an emergency for the state of Texas in advance of Hurricane Ike. The Morning of September 13th the storm approached Galveston Island and made land fall the next morning at 2:10am.

Hurricane Ike was the third most devastating storm in U.S. History, coming in behind Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Andrew with 31.4 billion dollars in damages and 71 deaths. The storm nearly wiped out the barrier island area of Galveston Texas with a storm surge 17feet and waves reaching upwards of 23 feet. This devastating storm ripped through the area also affecting places as far as Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and Indiana causing widespread power outs and wind damage.

Ike finally dissipated on September 16th, 2008. It left in its wake massive flooding and damages throughout the gulf coast region of Texas. The storm left many in a strenuous position looking for shelter with friend’s relatives or living in hotels until they can begin rebuilding the area.

F.E.M.A. has however, learned from their mistakes, they acted more quickly with food, water and aid to victims of Ike. The most recent estimations of damage from F.E.M.A is in the range of 1.9billion dollars in financial aid to disaster victims. Some of that money “More than $60 million (number adjusted to correct reporting error) for short-term, transitional sheltering in hotels/motels for eligible applicants. Some 4,452 eligible individuals and families are still participating in the program.” They have also made 2806 manufactured housing units available to families in need.