Remembering Hurricane Katrina—5 Years Later

I don’t know if I could say something that hasn’t already been said about Hurricane Katrina. 5 years ago today, we all woke up to the devastating news that New Orleans was under siege because of a levee breach which caused catastrophic flooding in most parts of the city. Hundreds were feared dead and thousands of people struggled to live in horrible circumstances at the New Orleans Superdome and convention center, both which were over-populated and unorganized with no food or sanitary conditions.

Personally, I was afraid for a family member. My father, who lived in Memphis at the time, was missing. He went to find his brother-in-law in Biloxi, Mississippi and I didn’t hear from him over a week period. My birthday (Sept. 3) came and went without a phone call from him. I was worried that he had gotten stuck in the storm. About a nine days after Katrina, my father was safe and sound back in Memphis. It was horrible not knowing where my dad was or if he was okay.

We cannot forget about Hurricane Katrina and we cannot let what happened occur again on our soil. The people of New Orleans were made to feel like “refugees” in their own city and country. As a nation, we must do better, as well as hold our leaders, national, state, and local government accountable.

For all who lost their lives in Hurricane Katrina or loved ones who lost someone, my prayers are still with you. The scars remain even after years have passed.

New Orleans has risen to greatness once again, despite the massive BP oil spill that has also once again crippled Louisiana and the gulf coast. New Orleans is a city that is thriving (although there is more work to be done) and they are basking in a much deserved win in the Super Bowl. I have faith that New Orleans can be the crown jewel of the gulf coast as it once was.

We will never forget.