Storm That Drowned a City
Season 32 Episode 18 | 52m 31sVideo has Closed Captions
What led to the devastating floods that Hurricane Katrina unleashed on New Orleans?
In less than 12 hours on August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Louisiana coast, leading to more than a thousand deaths and transforming a city of over one million into an uninhabitable swamp. NOVA investigates the science of Hurricane Katrina, combining a penetrating analysis of what went wrong with a dramatic, minute-by-minute unfolding of events told through eyewitness testimony.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
National Corporate funding for NOVA is provided by Carlisle Companies and Viking Cruises. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the NOVA Science Trust, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
Support provided by:
Storm That Drowned a City
Season 32 Episode 18 | 52m 31sVideo has Closed Captions
In less than 12 hours on August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Louisiana coast, leading to more than a thousand deaths and transforming a city of over one million into an uninhabitable swamp. NOVA investigates the science of Hurricane Katrina, combining a penetrating analysis of what went wrong with a dramatic, minute-by-minute unfolding of events told through eyewitness testimony.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
How to Watch NOVA
NOVA is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.
Buy Now
NOVA Labs
NOVA Labs is a free digital platform that engages teens and lifelong learners in games and interactives that foster authentic scientific exploration. Participants take part in real-world investigations by visualizing, analyzing, and playing with the same data that scientists use.Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship>> NARRATOR: Her name is all too >> NARRATOR: Her name is all too familiar.
>> NARRATOR: Her name is all too familiar.
Katrina, the storm that ravaged familiar.
Katrina, the storm that ravaged New Orleans.
Katrina, the storm that ravaged New Orleans.
>> You always hear about the New Orleans.
>> You always hear about the doomsday storm.
>> You always hear about the doomsday storm.
Well, this was it.
doomsday storm.
Well, this was it.
>> NARRATOR: She left in her Well, this was it.
>> NARRATOR: She left in her wake around 1,300 dead, hundreds >> NARRATOR: She left in her wake around 1,300 dead, hundreds of thousands homeless, and one wake around 1,300 dead, hundreds of thousands homeless, and one of the most vibrant cities in of thousands homeless, and one of the most vibrant cities in America drowning and nearly of the most vibrant cities in America drowning and nearly destroyed.
America drowning and nearly destroyed.
>> Wherever she went, she was destroyed.
>> Wherever she went, she was going to have an impact.
>> Wherever she went, she was going to have an impact.
This was a large, powerful going to have an impact.
This was a large, powerful hurricane.
This was a large, powerful hurricane.
>> NARRATOR: In Katrina's wake, hurricane.
>> NARRATOR: In Katrina's wake, there are also questions.
>> NARRATOR: In Katrina's wake, there are also questions.
With improved hurricane there are also questions.
With improved hurricane forecasts, was the storm a With improved hurricane forecasts, was the storm a predictable disaster?
forecasts, was the storm a predictable disaster?
Who knew?
predictable disaster?
Who knew?
>> We were pretty convinced that Who knew?
>> We were pretty convinced that it was just a matter of time.
>> We were pretty convinced that it was just a matter of time.
>> I knew I was right.
it was just a matter of time.
>> I knew I was right.
I knew that it could happen.
>> I knew I was right.
I knew that it could happen.
>> NARRATOR: And who refused to I knew that it could happen.
>> NARRATOR: And who refused to listen?
>> NARRATOR: And who refused to listen?
>> We had a number of listen?
>> We had a number of officials who basically scoffed >> We had a number of officials who basically scoffed at us.
>> NARRATOR: Almost surrounded >> NARRATOR: Almost surrounded by water, the city is protected >> NARRATOR: Almost surrounded by water, the city is protected by levees and walls.
by water, the city is protected by levees and walls.
Were these overwhelmed by an by levees and walls.
Were these overwhelmed by an unprecedented storm, or simply Were these overwhelmed by an unprecedented storm, or simply not up to the job?
unprecedented storm, or simply not up to the job?
>> The concrete structure would not up to the job?
>> The concrete structure would just push laterally like the >> The concrete structure would just push laterally like the blade of a bulldozer.
just push laterally like the blade of a bulldozer.
>> Who would ever think the blade of a bulldozer.
>> Who would ever think the levees would fail?
>> Who would ever think the levees would fail?
It's just something I never, in levees would fail?
It's just something I never, in my wildest dreams, thought I It's just something I never, in my wildest dreams, thought I would ever see or could ever my wildest dreams, thought I would ever see or could ever happen.
would ever see or could ever happen.
>> NARRATOR: With more violent happen.
>> NARRATOR: With more violent hurricanes predicted, is Katrina >> NARRATOR: With more violent hurricanes predicted, is Katrina a taste of what's in store for hurricanes predicted, is Katrina a taste of what's in store for the future?
a taste of what's in store for the future?
>> This season has taught us the future?
>> This season has taught us that we had better be ready for >> This season has taught us that we had better be ready for intense storms.
that we had better be ready for intense storms.
>> NARRATOR: We can protect intense storms.
>> NARRATOR: We can protect ourselves, but only if we >> NARRATOR: We can protect ourselves, but only if we understand "The Storm That ourselves, but only if we understand "The Storm That Drowned a City."
understand "The Storm That Drowned a City."
NOVA.
>> Maj >> Maj >> NARRATOR: It looks like an >> Maj >> NARRATOR: It looks like an ordinary day in New Orleans.
>> NARRATOR: It looks like an ordinary day in New Orleans.
The city is just awakening, and ordinary day in New Orleans.
The city is just awakening, and it's business as usual.
The city is just awakening, and it's business as usual.
Africa Brumfield, a resident of it's business as usual.
Africa Brumfield, a resident of the 6th Ward, is up for an early Africa Brumfield, a resident of the 6th Ward, is up for an early morning walk.
the 6th Ward, is up for an early morning walk.
Walter Maestri, an emergency morning walk.
Walter Maestri, an emergency manager, is on his way to his Walter Maestri, an emergency manager, is on his way to his office at Jefferson Parish.
manager, is on his way to his office at Jefferson Parish.
On the Gulf Coast, northeast of office at Jefferson Parish.
On the Gulf Coast, northeast of the city, Lisa Monti has dropped On the Gulf Coast, northeast of the city, Lisa Monti has dropped in at her neighbors.
the city, Lisa Monti has dropped in at her neighbors.
Things seem calm, but there's in at her neighbors.
Things seem calm, but there's trouble looming.
Things seem calm, but there's trouble looming.
At the National Hurricane Center trouble looming.
At the National Hurricane Center in Florida, the meteorologists At the National Hurricane Center in Florida, the meteorologists are busy.
in Florida, the meteorologists are busy.
It's hurricane season, and are busy.
It's hurricane season, and there's a storm called Katrina It's hurricane season, and there's a storm called Katrina approaching, with New Orleans in there's a storm called Katrina approaching, with New Orleans in her sights.
approaching, with New Orleans in her sights.
Max Mayfield heads the hurricane her sights.
Max Mayfield heads the hurricane watch team.
Max Mayfield heads the hurricane watch team.
>> Katrina formed from a watch team.
>> Katrina formed from a tropical wave that had moved off >> Katrina formed from a tropical wave that had moved off the coast of Africa, and then it tropical wave that had moved off the coast of Africa, and then it developed into a tropical the coast of Africa, and then it developed into a tropical depression.
developed into a tropical depression.
>> I believe that Katrina has depression.
>> I believe that Katrina has all the makings of a killer >> I believe that Katrina has all the makings of a killer storm.
all the makings of a killer storm.
>> NARRATOR: Alert for threats storm.
>> NARRATOR: Alert for threats to his parish, Walter Maestri >> NARRATOR: Alert for threats to his parish, Walter Maestri called it right.
to his parish, Walter Maestri called it right.
Six days later, the killer storm called it right.
Six days later, the killer storm arrived.
Six days later, the killer storm arrived.
>> The wind started shaking the arrived.
>> The wind started shaking the facility pretty good at that >> The wind started shaking the facility pretty good at that point.
facility pretty good at that point.
>> There was water, and it never point.
>> There was water, and it never stopped coming in.
>> There was water, and it never stopped coming in.
>> There was water from here all stopped coming in.
>> There was water from here all the way that way to the >> There was water from here all the way that way to the Superdome, and then all the way the way that way to the Superdome, and then all the way to the Industrial Canal.
Superdome, and then all the way to the Industrial Canal.
>> You're sitting there and to the Industrial Canal.
>> You're sitting there and you're wondering how are you >> You're sitting there and you're wondering how are you going to stay sane, and then the you're wondering how are you going to stay sane, and then the lights go out.
>> I have nothing, nothing.
>> I have nothing, nothing.
>> Very, very hungry.
>> I have nothing, nothing.
>> Very, very hungry.
We haven't eaten in three days.
>> Very, very hungry.
We haven't eaten in three days.
help We haven't eaten in three days.
help us.
help us.
>> We want her back.
us.
>> We want her back. )
>> We want her back. )
We want her back.
>> NARRATOR: It's a year before >> NARRATOR: It's a year before Katrina hits, and Hurricane Pam >> NARRATOR: It's a year before Katrina hits, and Hurricane Pam is striking New Orleans with 120 Katrina hits, and Hurricane Pam is striking New Orleans with 120 mile-per-hour winds.
is striking New Orleans with 120 mile-per-hour winds.
Floodwaters are surging into the mile-per-hour winds.
Floodwaters are surging into the city.
Floodwaters are surging into the city.
But fortunately, this hurricane city.
But fortunately, this hurricane is not real.
But fortunately, this hurricane is not real.
The fictional hurricane Pam was is not real.
The fictional hurricane Pam was created by Ivor Van Heerden in The fictional hurricane Pam was created by Ivor Van Heerden in his supercomputer, using data created by Ivor Van Heerden in his supercomputer, using data from past storms-- wind, rain his supercomputer, using data from past storms-- wind, rain and storm surge.
from past storms-- wind, rain and storm surge.
>> What became very clear to us and storm surge.
>> What became very clear to us was that even a slow-moving >> What became very clear to us was that even a slow-moving Category 3 storm would totally was that even a slow-moving Category 3 storm would totally flood New Orleans.
Category 3 storm would totally flood New Orleans.
>> NARRATOR: This computer flood New Orleans.
>> NARRATOR: This computer simulation was the focus of a >> NARRATOR: This computer simulation was the focus of a 2004 disaster exercise held in simulation was the focus of a 2004 disaster exercise held in Louisiana's capital, Baton 2004 disaster exercise held in Louisiana's capital, Baton Rouge.
Louisiana's capital, Baton Rouge.
>> This was attended by about Rouge.
>> This was attended by about 300 people from the federal >> This was attended by about 300 people from the federal level, from the state level.
300 people from the federal level, from the state level.
level, from the state level.
level, from the state level.
level, from the state level.
And they sat together for about level, from the state level.
And they sat together for about eight days and discussed some of And they sat together for about eight days and discussed some of the major issues that they would eight days and discussed some of the major issues that they would face if there was a catastrophic the major issues that they would face if there was a catastrophic hurricane that struck New face if there was a catastrophic hurricane that struck New Orleans.
>> NARRATOR: The simulation >> NARRATOR: The simulation showed New Orleans would be >> NARRATOR: The simulation showed New Orleans would be devastated: 61,000 people dead, showed New Orleans would be devastated: 61,000 people dead, over 175,000 injured, and devastated: 61,000 people dead, over 175,000 injured, and 500,000 homeless.
over 175,000 injured, and 500,000 homeless.
On the surface, participants 500,000 homeless.
On the surface, participants seemed to take the exercise On the surface, participants seemed to take the exercise seriously.
>> I think everyone involved, >> I think everyone involved, particularly on the local level, particularly on the local level, understood what we were dealing understood what we were dealing with, understood what the with, understood what the various roles were, who was various roles were, who was going to do what, where, when going to do what, where, when and how.
>> NARRATOR: But underneath >> NARRATOR: But underneath there was skepticism.
>> NARRATOR: But underneath there was skepticism.
>> At the hurricane Pam exercise we had a number of officials who we had a number of officials who basically scoffed at us.
>> NARRATOR: Would the lessons >> NARRATOR: Would the lessons from the Pam simulation be >> NARRATOR: Would the lessons from the Pam simulation be heeded when the real threat came from the Pam simulation be heeded when the real threat came along?
It's over a year after the It's over a year after the Hurricane Pam exercise, and the It's over a year after the Hurricane Pam exercise, and the 2005 hurricane season has begun.
Hurricane Pam exercise, and the 2005 hurricane season has begun. )
2005 hurricane season has begun. )
Thunderstorms are brewing off ) Thunderstorms are brewing off the West coast of Africa.
Thunderstorms are brewing off the West coast of Africa.
One of these will give birth to the West coast of Africa.
One of these will give birth to Katrina.
One of these will give birth to Katrina.
>> What the thunderstorms do is Katrina.
>> What the thunderstorms do is >> What the thunderstorms do is >> What the thunderstorms do is >> What the thunderstorms do is they draw heat from the ocean's >> What the thunderstorms do is they draw heat from the ocean's surface.
they draw heat from the ocean's surface.
That's the driving mechanism surface.
That's the driving mechanism that produces hurricanes.
>> NARRATOR: Katrina begins as a >> NARRATOR: Katrina begins as a small storm called a tropical >> NARRATOR: Katrina begins as a small storm called a tropical depression, a center of low small storm called a tropical depression, a center of low atmospheric pressure.
depression, a center of low atmospheric pressure.
In the warm waters of the atmospheric pressure.
In the warm waters of the eastern Atlantic, water vapor In the warm waters of the eastern Atlantic, water vapor rises from the ocean, then eastern Atlantic, water vapor rises from the ocean, then cools, forming clouds and rises from the ocean, then cools, forming clouds and releasing heat energy which cools, forming clouds and releasing heat energy which fuels the storm.
releasing heat energy which fuels the storm.
This sucks in more warm air, fuels the storm.
This sucks in more warm air, generating strong winds which This sucks in more warm air, generating strong winds which shoot upwards.
generating strong winds which shoot upwards.
When this rush of air hits the shoot upwards.
When this rush of air hits the stratosphere it flattens out, When this rush of air hits the stratosphere it flattens out, and influenced by the earth's stratosphere it flattens out, and influenced by the earth's rotation, the storm starts and influenced by the earth's rotation, the storm starts turning counterclockwise.
rotation, the storm starts turning counterclockwise.
As soon as the winds reach 39 turning counterclockwise.
As soon as the winds reach 39 miles per hour, the depression As soon as the winds reach 39 miles per hour, the depression is considered a tropical storm.
miles per hour, the depression is considered a tropical storm.
This is Katrina minus six days, is considered a tropical storm.
This is Katrina minus six days, large but still only a tropical This is Katrina minus six days, large but still only a tropical depression.
A day later, there's bad news: A day later, there's bad news: the Hurricane Center has A day later, there's bad news: the Hurricane Center has upgraded the depression to a the Hurricane Center has upgraded the depression to a tropical storm.
upgraded the depression to a tropical storm.
Roughly half of all tropical tropical storm.
Roughly half of all tropical storms become hurricanes, so the Roughly half of all tropical storms become hurricanes, so the team generates computer models storms become hurricanes, so the team generates computer models to forecast where Katrina might team generates computer models to forecast where Katrina might strike.
to forecast where Katrina might strike.
In 2004, more than one-third of strike.
In 2004, more than one-third of the population of New Orleans In 2004, more than one-third of the population of New Orleans evacuated for Hurricane Ivan; the population of New Orleans evacuated for Hurricane Ivan; unnecessarily, as it turned out.
evacuated for Hurricane Ivan; unnecessarily, as it turned out.
But no warning at all can cost unnecessarily, as it turned out.
But no warning at all can cost lives.
But no warning at all can cost lives.
Hurricane forecasts are lives.
Hurricane forecasts are improving due to a greater Hurricane forecasts are improving due to a greater understanding of atmospheric improving due to a greater understanding of atmospheric dynamics and more extensive understanding of atmospheric dynamics and more extensive satellite coverage.
>> We rely very heavily on >> We rely very heavily on remote sensing via satellites, remote sensing via satellites, and we have various satellites and we have various satellites in which we do that.
>> NARRATOR: But the team needs >> NARRATOR: But the team needs more data than even satellites >> NARRATOR: But the team needs more data than even satellites can provide.
more data than even satellites can provide.
So as soon as tropical storm can provide.
So as soon as tropical storm Katrina is within range, they So as soon as tropical storm Katrina is within range, they send out the Air Force Hurricane Katrina is within range, they send out the Air Force Hurricane Hunters.
send out the Air Force Hurricane Hunters.
Their mission: to fly right into Hunters.
Their mission: to fly right into the approaching storm.
Their mission: to fly right into the approaching storm.
As the pilot battles extreme the approaching storm.
As the pilot battles extreme turbulence, external sensors As the pilot battles extreme turbulence, external sensors record wind speed, pressure and turbulence, external sensors record wind speed, pressure and temperature to build up a more record wind speed, pressure and temperature to build up a more detailed picture of Katrina.
temperature to build up a more detailed picture of Katrina.
And a new piece of technology detailed picture of Katrina.
And a new piece of technology has been added to the Hurricane And a new piece of technology has been added to the Hurricane Hunters' arsenal.
has been added to the Hurricane Hunters' arsenal.
>> This is the dropsond.
Hunters' arsenal.
>> This is the dropsond.
It acts much like a weather >> This is the dropsond.
It acts much like a weather balloon collecting temperature, It acts much like a weather balloon collecting temperature, relative humidity, and also balloon collecting temperature, relative humidity, and also pressure.
There's also a GPS module that There's also a GPS module that will be effected as it shifts will be effected as it shifts from one point to the next that from one point to the next that will give us our wind direction will give us our wind direction and wind speed.
>> NARRATOR: The sonde is >> NARRATOR: The sonde is released through a chute in the >> NARRATOR: The sonde is released through a chute in the floor.
released through a chute in the floor.
>> And then as it floats down to floor.
>> And then as it floats down to the surface it's radioing back >> And then as it floats down to the surface it's radioing back all that data.
the surface it's radioing back all that data.
>> NARRATOR: As the sonde is all that data.
>> NARRATOR: As the sonde is tossed about, its GPS unit feeds >> NARRATOR: As the sonde is tossed about, its GPS unit feeds back its position, relaying wind tossed about, its GPS unit feeds back its position, relaying wind speeds at many different points back its position, relaying wind speeds at many different points in the storm.
speeds at many different points in the storm.
Clearly, Katrina is building.
in the storm.
Clearly, Katrina is building.
During this one flight, wind Clearly, Katrina is building.
During this one flight, wind speeds have increased to 59 During this one flight, wind speeds have increased to 59 miles per hour, approaching speeds have increased to 59 miles per hour, approaching hurricane force.
miles per hour, approaching hurricane force.
This data is fed to the hurricane force.
This data is fed to the Hurricane Center's This data is fed to the Hurricane Center's supercomputers, which generate a Hurricane Center's supercomputers, which generate a prediction cone where a black supercomputers, which generate a prediction cone where a black line shows the five-day forecast prediction cone where a black line shows the five-day forecast of the hurricane's likely track.
line shows the five-day forecast of the hurricane's likely track.
The hurricane is steered by of the hurricane's likely track.
The hurricane is steered by zones of high and low The hurricane is steered by zones of high and low atmospheric pressure surrounding zones of high and low atmospheric pressure surrounding it.
atmospheric pressure surrounding it.
These constantly shifting it.
These constantly shifting weather systems makes track These constantly shifting weather systems makes track forecasting incredibly complex.
weather systems makes track forecasting incredibly complex.
But in recent years, the team forecasting incredibly complex.
But in recent years, the team has made huge advances.
>> We've got a real success >> We've got a real success story here, and the observations story here, and the observations are indeed better, the computers are indeed better, the computers are faster, and the computer are faster, and the computer modeling is much improved.
>> So now our five-day forecasts >> So now our five-day forecasts are exactly what our three-day >> So now our five-day forecasts are exactly what our three-day forecasts were just 15 years are exactly what our three-day forecasts were just 15 years ago.
forecasts were just 15 years ago.
>> NARRATOR: But intensity is ago.
>> NARRATOR: But intensity is much harder to predict than >> NARRATOR: But intensity is much harder to predict than track, because the inner storm much harder to predict than track, because the inner storm can change minute by minute.
Katrina is still only a tropical Katrina is still only a tropical storm.
storm.
The key question is: will she The key question is: will she become a hurricane?
become a hurricane?
>> Well, here in the United >> Well, here in the United States we categorize hurricanes States we categorize hurricanes as Category 1 through to 5, with as Category 1 through to 5, with 5 being the worst.
>> NARRATOR: At the bottom of >> NARRATOR: At the bottom of the scale is a Category 1, with >> NARRATOR: At the bottom of the scale is a Category 1, with wind speeds of up to 95 miles the scale is a Category 1, with wind speeds of up to 95 miles per hour, causing damage to wind speeds of up to 95 miles per hour, causing damage to trees and branches.
per hour, causing damage to trees and branches.
Category 2: the hurricane has trees and branches.
Category 2: the hurricane has winds of up to 110 miles per Category 2: the hurricane has winds of up to 110 miles per hour, enough to punch the air winds of up to 110 miles per hour, enough to punch the air out of your lungs.
hour, enough to punch the air out of your lungs.
When the wind speeds hit 130 out of your lungs.
When the wind speeds hit 130 miles per hour, the hurricane When the wind speeds hit 130 miles per hour, the hurricane becomes a Category 3. miles per hour, the hurricane becomes a Category 3.
At Category 4, roof tiles are becomes a Category 3.
At Category 4, roof tiles are peeled off and houses will At Category 4, roof tiles are peeled off and houses will sustain structural damage.
peeled off and houses will sustain structural damage.
Category 5 is the most feared.
sustain structural damage.
Category 5 is the most feared.
With winds of more than 155 Category 5 is the most feared.
With winds of more than 155 miles per hour, roofs will be With winds of more than 155 miles per hour, roofs will be sheared off and houses miles per hour, roofs will be sheared off and houses destroyed.
sheared off and houses destroyed.
But hurricanes deliver a deadly destroyed.
But hurricanes deliver a deadly double blow, not just high But hurricanes deliver a deadly double blow, not just high winds, but a massive bulge of double blow, not just high winds, but a massive bulge of water called the storm surge.
winds, but a massive bulge of water called the storm surge.
The high winds push down on the water called the storm surge.
The high winds push down on the ocean's surface, causing the The high winds push down on the ocean's surface, causing the water to rise like an ocean's surface, causing the water to rise like an unnaturally high tide.
water to rise like an unnaturally high tide.
This wall of water is so unnaturally high tide.
This wall of water is so dangerous, that 90% of deaths in This wall of water is so dangerous, that 90% of deaths in hurricanes come from drowning.
On Thursday the 25th of August, On Thursday the 25th of August, Katrina finally grows into a Katrina finally grows into a Category 1 hurricane.
Category 1 hurricane.
She has formed an eye and is She has formed an eye and is heading straight for southern heading straight for southern Florida.
Florida.
Less than two hours later, she Less than two hours later, she hits land.
hits land.
With no warm water to fuel her With no warm water to fuel her fury, Katrina dies down.
fury, Katrina dies down.
But there's more warm water But there's more warm water ahead in the Gulf of Mexico.
ahead in the Gulf of Mexico.
In New Orleans, Walter Maestri In New Orleans, Walter Maestri watches the storm track watches the storm track nervously.
nervously.
He knows from near misses like He knows from near misses like Hurricane Georges in '98, and Hurricane Georges in '98, and Ivan in '04, how vulnerable Ivan in '04, how vulnerable the city is.
New Orleans lies between two New Orleans lies between two potential floodwaters: the New Orleans lies between two potential floodwaters: the Mississippi to the south and potential floodwaters: the Mississippi to the south and Lake Pontchartrain connected to Mississippi to the south and Lake Pontchartrain connected to the Gulf in the north.
Lake Pontchartrain connected to the Gulf in the north.
>> The metropolitan New Orleans the Gulf in the north.
>> The metropolitan New Orleans area is a bowl.
>> The metropolitan New Orleans area is a bowl.
It looks like a gigantic soup area is a bowl.
It looks like a gigantic soup bowl.
It looks like a gigantic soup bowl.
We exist, on average, some seven bowl.
We exist, on average, some seven to ten feet below sea level.
We exist, on average, some seven to ten feet below sea level.
>> NARRATOR: When the to ten feet below sea level.
>> NARRATOR: When the Mississippi flooded every year, >> NARRATOR: When the Mississippi flooded every year, it deposited silt to create vast Mississippi flooded every year, it deposited silt to create vast boggy marshlands.
it deposited silt to create vast boggy marshlands.
The city itself was built on the boggy marshlands.
The city itself was built on the only natural high ground, which The city itself was built on the only natural high ground, which would become the French Quarter.
only natural high ground, which would become the French Quarter. )
would become the French Quarter. )
Joe Suhayda is a coastal ) Joe Suhayda is a coastal engineer who studies the city's Joe Suhayda is a coastal engineer who studies the city's defenses.
engineer who studies the city's defenses.
defenses.
defenses.
defenses.
>> The city was established at defenses.
>> The city was established at around the year 1700, and it was >> The city was established at around the year 1700, and it was established on high ground that around the year 1700, and it was established on high ground that was adjacent to the Mississippi established on high ground that was adjacent to the Mississippi River, and this high ground was was adjacent to the Mississippi River, and this high ground was not flooded annually.
>> NARRATOR: Surrounded by >> NARRATOR: Surrounded by marshlands, New Orleans couldn't >> NARRATOR: Surrounded by marshlands, New Orleans couldn't grow until an engineer called marshlands, New Orleans couldn't grow until an engineer called Baldwin Wood designed a complex grow until an engineer called Baldwin Wood designed a complex system of pumps and drainage Baldwin Wood designed a complex system of pumps and drainage canals to dry the city.
system of pumps and drainage canals to dry the city.
Much of the system is still canals to dry the city.
Much of the system is still working today.
Much of the system is still working today.
And with the flood-prone areas working today.
And with the flood-prone areas dry, New Orleans expanded And with the flood-prone areas dry, New Orleans expanded outwards from the French dry, New Orleans expanded outwards from the French Quarter, all over the drained outwards from the French Quarter, all over the drained wetlands.
Quarter, all over the drained wetlands.
But this created a bigger wetlands.
But this created a bigger problem.
But this created a bigger problem.
>> In order to settle the areas, problem.
>> In order to settle the areas, you've got to drain the water >> In order to settle the areas, you've got to drain the water out of them.
you've got to drain the water out of them.
Well, as the soils then become out of them.
Well, as the soils then become drained, the organic matter Well, as the soils then become drained, the organic matter breaks down just like compost, drained, the organic matter breaks down just like compost, and so you lose bulk, and the breaks down just like compost, and so you lose bulk, and the soils then shrink.
>> NARRATOR: The shrinking soils >> NARRATOR: The shrinking soils caused the city to sink further.
caused the city to sink further.
To protect the growing To protect the growing population, the state built population, the state built earthen levees; sometimes with earthen levees; sometimes with burst her banks in a catastrophic flood that killed at least 500 people and swamped more than a million homes.
Although the flood never reached New Orleans, the authorities dynamited a levee south of the city as a precaution.
( explosions ) The resulting manmade flood drowned two of the poorest parishes and displaced some 10,000 of their inhabitants.
And it was a turning point as And it was a turning point as the Army Corps of Engineers took And it was a turning point as the Army Corps of Engineers took control of the levees.
>> From that point on, the Corps >> From that point on, the Corps of Engineers and the Federal of Engineers and the Federal Government have had a large part Government have had a large part to play in the levees, to play in the levees, especially the Mississippi river especially the Mississippi river levees in the City of New levees in the City of New Orleans and Southern Louisiana.
>> NARRATOR: Colonel Richard >> NARRATOR: Colonel Richard Wagenaar is now in charge of a >> NARRATOR: Colonel Richard Wagenaar is now in charge of a 1,200-strong team.
Wagenaar is now in charge of a 1,200-strong team.
It's their responsibility to 1,200-strong team.
It's their responsibility to build and repair the levees to It's their responsibility to build and repair the levees to protect against hurricanes like build and repair the levees to protect against hurricanes like Katrina.
protect against hurricanes like Katrina.
New Orleans has two types of Katrina.
New Orleans has two types of levee: the original earthen New Orleans has two types of levee: the original earthen levees, and more recently built levee: the original earthen levees, and more recently built concrete and steel floodwalls.
levees, and more recently built concrete and steel floodwalls.
It was after Hurricane Betsy in concrete and steel floodwalls.
It was after Hurricane Betsy in 1965 that Congress set standards It was after Hurricane Betsy in 1965 that Congress set standards for the levees.
1965 that Congress set standards for the levees.
Betsy was a Category 3 for the levees.
Betsy was a Category 3 hurricane, causing extensive Betsy was a Category 3 hurricane, causing extensive damage and flooding.
hurricane, causing extensive damage and flooding.
Since then, Congress has damage and flooding.
Since then, Congress has provided the Army Corps of Since then, Congress has provided the Army Corps of Engineers with funds to upgrade provided the Army Corps of Engineers with funds to upgrade the levees to withstand a Engineers with funds to upgrade the levees to withstand a Category 3, and no more.
the levees to withstand a Category 3, and no more.
>> A lot of the construction, Category 3, and no more.
>> A lot of the construction, our current-day construction was >> A lot of the construction, our current-day construction was in the '60s.
our current-day construction was in the '60s.
The floodwalls were all finished in the '60s.
The floodwalls were all finished early '90s.
The floodwalls were all finished early '90s.
The system we were working on early '90s.
The system we were working on was a system to withstand a The system we were working on was a system to withstand a fast-moving Category 3. was a system to withstand a fast-moving Category 3.
>> NARRATOR: But with Katrina fast-moving Category 3.
>> NARRATOR: But with Katrina growing in the Gulf, would >> NARRATOR: But with Katrina growing in the Gulf, would Category 3 levee protection be growing in the Gulf, would Category 3 levee protection be enough? )
) >> Hello. )
>> Hello.
>> Walter, how is it going >> Hello.
>> Walter, how is it going there?
>> Walter, how is it going there?
>> NARRATOR: On Friday the 26th there?
>> NARRATOR: On Friday the 26th of August, Walter Maestri >> NARRATOR: On Friday the 26th of August, Walter Maestri receives a worrying phone call.
of August, Walter Maestri receives a worrying phone call.
>> The week that Katrina made receives a worrying phone call.
>> The week that Katrina made landfall, I got a call from Max >> The week that Katrina made landfall, I got a call from Max Mayfield, the Director of the landfall, I got a call from Max Mayfield, the Director of the National Hurricane Center.
Mayfield, the Director of the National Hurricane Center.
>> I called Walter Maestri, who National Hurricane Center.
>> I called Walter Maestri, who is the director of emergency >> I called Walter Maestri, who is the director of emergency manager in Jefferson Parish is the director of emergency manager in Jefferson Parish Louisiana, and I told him, manager in Jefferson Parish Louisiana, and I told him, "Walter, you better get ready."
Louisiana, and I told him, "Walter, you better get ready."
>> You've got to know Max "Walter, you better get ready."
>> You've got to know Max Mayfield.
>> You've got to know Max Mayfield.
Mayfield.
Mayfield.
Mayfield.
He's an extremely low-key Mayfield.
He's an extremely low-key individual, not much upsets him.
He's an extremely low-key individual, not much upsets him.
When you get that phone call individual, not much upsets him.
When you get that phone call from Max, it's serious.
>> NARRATOR: For Walter Maestri >> NARRATOR: For Walter Maestri it's the news he's been >> NARRATOR: For Walter Maestri it's the news he's been dreading.
it's the news he's been dreading.
The National Hurricane Center dreading.
The National Hurricane Center shows the storm heading straight The National Hurricane Center shows the storm heading straight toward the Gulf Coast west of shows the storm heading straight toward the Gulf Coast west of New Orleans, the very worst-case toward the Gulf Coast west of New Orleans, the very worst-case scenario.
New Orleans, the very worst-case scenario.
Since a hurricane spins scenario.
Since a hurricane spins counterclockwise, it generates Since a hurricane spins counterclockwise, it generates stronger winds and more pressure counterclockwise, it generates stronger winds and more pressure exist on its eastern flank.
stronger winds and more pressure exist on its eastern flank.
So the storm surge to the east exist on its eastern flank.
So the storm surge to the east is also more severe, directly So the storm surge to the east is also more severe, directly threatening New Orleans.
is also more severe, directly threatening New Orleans.
With so many of its threatening New Orleans.
With so many of its neighborhoods below sea level, With so many of its neighborhoods below sea level, New Orleans is going to need its neighborhoods below sea level, New Orleans is going to need its strongest defenses.
New Orleans is going to need its strongest defenses.
Those defenses used to be strongest defenses.
Those defenses used to be provided by Louisiana's Those defenses used to be provided by Louisiana's wetlands.
provided by Louisiana's wetlands.
Before its levees were built, wetlands.
Before its levees were built, the Mississippi River conveyed Before its levees were built, the Mississippi River conveyed tons of silt and soil to the the Mississippi River conveyed tons of silt and soil to the coast each year.
tons of silt and soil to the coast each year.
Every Spring, when the river coast each year.
Every Spring, when the river flooded, the wetlands were Every Spring, when the river flooded, the wetlands were strengthened and replenished.
flooded, the wetlands were strengthened and replenished.
These wetlands protected New strengthened and replenished.
These wetlands protected New Orleans against hurricane storm These wetlands protected New Orleans against hurricane storm surges, soaking up the violent Orleans against hurricane storm surges, soaking up the violent waters like a sponge, while surges, soaking up the violent waters like a sponge, while stands of Cypress trees acted as waters like a sponge, while stands of Cypress trees acted as a windbreak.
stands of Cypress trees acted as a windbreak.
But when levees were built, they a windbreak.
But when levees were built, they kept the river from flooding.
But when levees were built, they kept the river from flooding.
The wetlands became starved of kept the river from flooding.
The wetlands became starved of new soil and started The wetlands became starved of new soil and started disappearing at an alarming new soil and started disappearing at an alarming rate.
disappearing at an alarming rate.
Shea Penland is a coastal rate.
Shea Penland is a coastal oceanographer who has witnessed Shea Penland is a coastal oceanographer who has witnessed this decline for over 30 years.
oceanographer who has witnessed this decline for over 30 years.
>> It's creeping up on us, it's this decline for over 30 years.
>> It's creeping up on us, it's occurring every day.
>> It's creeping up on us, it's occurring every day.
The lands washing away every occurring every day.
The lands washing away every day.
The lands washing away every day.
It's chronic.
day.
It's chronic.
>> NARRATOR: The depleted It's chronic.
>> NARRATOR: The depleted wetlands are more vulnerable to >> NARRATOR: The depleted wetlands are more vulnerable to the encroachment of salt water wetlands are more vulnerable to the encroachment of salt water from the Gulf, which kills most the encroachment of salt water from the Gulf, which kills most freshwater plants.
from the Gulf, which kills most freshwater plants.
Louisiana's wetlands are freshwater plants.
Louisiana's wetlands are vanishing at the staggering rate Louisiana's wetlands are vanishing at the staggering rate of at least 20 square miles a vanishing at the staggering rate of at least 20 square miles a year, nearly a football field of at least 20 square miles a year, nearly a football field every hour.
year, nearly a football field every hour.
And as wetlands disappear, storm every hour.
And as wetlands disappear, storm surges rise, putting New Orleans And as wetlands disappear, storm surges rise, putting New Orleans at ever graver risk.
surges rise, putting New Orleans at ever graver risk.
>> We dodged a bullet with at ever graver risk.
>> We dodged a bullet with Hurricane Andrew in 1992.
>> We dodged a bullet with Hurricane Andrew in 1992.
We dodged Hurricane Georges in Hurricane Andrew in 1992.
We dodged Hurricane Georges in 1998.
And we dodged the atomic bomb And we dodged the atomic bomb with Ivan in '04.
>> NARRATOR: But would New >> NARRATOR: But would New Orleans dodge the bullet from >> NARRATOR: But would New Orleans dodge the bullet from Katrina this time?
At Louisiana State University, At Louisiana State University, Ivor Van Heerden and his team At Louisiana State University, Ivor Van Heerden and his team take what they know about Ivor Van Heerden and his team take what they know about Katrina and put it into the same take what they know about Katrina and put it into the same computer model they developed Katrina and put it into the same computer model they developed for the disaster exercise computer model they developed for the disaster exercise called Hurricane Pam the year for the disaster exercise called Hurricane Pam the year before.
called Hurricane Pam the year before.
Hassan Mashriqui is the man before.
Hassan Mashriqui is the man inputting the data.
>> From the beginning we saw >> From the beginning we saw that Hurricane Katrina was a that Hurricane Katrina was a very, very deadly storm.
It would start to flood the It would start to flood the lower parishes, and as it became It would start to flood the lower parishes, and as it became stronger and stronger it just lower parishes, and as it became stronger and stronger it just started to indicate that it's stronger and stronger it just started to indicate that it's going to flood the city.
started to indicate that it's going to flood the city.
>> NARRATOR: Van Heerden takes going to flood the city.
>> NARRATOR: Van Heerden takes the news public, sending e-mail >> NARRATOR: Van Heerden takes the news public, sending e-mail after e-mail to officials in the news public, sending e-mail after e-mail to officials in charge.
>> We knew on Saturday night >> We knew on Saturday night that this was the big one, that that this was the big one, that it was going to sink New it was going to sink New Orleans, and so we tried to get Orleans, and so we tried to get the word out as much as the word out as much as possible.
possible.
>> NARRATOR: Walter Maestri is desperately trying to get people desperately trying to get people to leave his parish.
desperately trying to get people to leave his parish.
>> It was fairly obvious that to leave his parish.
>> It was fairly obvious that this was going to be a storm >> It was fairly obvious that this was going to be a storm that was going to land in our this was going to be a storm that was going to land in our back yard, and we need about that was going to land in our back yard, and we need about between 60 and 72 hours to get back yard, and we need about between 60 and 72 hours to get those who are willing to between 60 and 72 hours to get those who are willing to evacuate evacuated, and that those who are willing to evacuate evacuated, and that therefore we were going to have evacuate evacuated, and that therefore we were going to have to move.
therefore we were going to have to move.
>> NARRATOR: But surveys to move.
>> NARRATOR: But surveys conducted earlier indicated that >> NARRATOR: But surveys conducted earlier indicated that not everyone would be willing or conducted earlier indicated that not everyone would be willing or able to evacuate.
not everyone would be willing or able to evacuate.
>> We understood that about able to evacuate.
>> We understood that about 68.2% of the people would leave, >> We understood that about 68.2% of the people would leave, which would have meant about 68.2% of the people would leave, which would have meant about 300,000 would have stayed.
which would have meant about 300,000 would have stayed.
>> NARRATOR: Many people have no 300,000 would have stayed.
>> NARRATOR: Many people have no transportation.
>> NARRATOR: Many people have no transportation.
But Lisa Monti, who does, transportation.
But Lisa Monti, who does, decides to stay.
But Lisa Monti, who does, decides to stay.
She lives in Bay St. Louis on decides to stay.
She lives in Bay St. Louis on the Gulf coast, 60 miles from She lives in Bay St. Louis on the Gulf coast, 60 miles from New Orleans.
the Gulf coast, 60 miles from New Orleans.
She rode out one of the worst New Orleans.
She rode out one of the worst storms to hit the coastline, She rode out one of the worst storms to hit the coastline, Hurricane Camille in 1969.
>> Camille didn't get us.
>> Camille didn't get us.
We stayed here.
We stayed here.
It was a very long night.
It was a very long night.
The walls shook, the floor The walls shook, the floor shook.
shook.
We had to scream the wind was so We had to scream the wind was so loud.
But the water from the beach But the water from the beach didn't get near us in Camille.
But the water from the beach didn't get near us in Camille.
>> NARRATOR: In her house set didn't get near us in Camille.
>> NARRATOR: In her house set back from the beach, 20 feet >> NARRATOR: In her house set back from the beach, 20 feet above sea level, Lisa Monti back from the beach, 20 feet above sea level, Lisa Monti assumes she is safe from above sea level, Lisa Monti assumes she is safe from Katrina.
assumes she is safe from Katrina.
And in the heart of New Orleans, Katrina.
And in the heart of New Orleans, Africa Brumfield, with her house And in the heart of New Orleans, Africa Brumfield, with her house sea level, Africa Brumfield, with her house sea level, decides to remain as well.
>> Some of our family members >> Some of our family members decided that they would leave, decided that they would leave, but my parents decided to stay.
but my parents decided to stay.
And I wasn't going to leave them And I wasn't going to leave them and got to safety, so I decided and got to safety, so I decided to stay with them.
to stay with them.
>> NARRATOR: But Max Mayfield >> NARRATOR: But Max Mayfield and his Hurricane Watch team and his Hurricane Watch team keep making frantic calls to keep making frantic calls to warn of the impending danger.
warn of the impending danger.
>> I wanted to be able to leave >> I wanted to be able to leave the National Hurricane Center the National Hurricane Center that night knowing that I'd done that night knowing that I'd done everything that I could do.
>> Jeff, we're going to start >> Jeff, we're going to start with you again.
>> Jeff, we're going to start with you again.
Of course New Orleans under a with you again.
Of course New Orleans under a hurricane warning, and now it Of course New Orleans under a hurricane warning, and now it has been bumped up to a hurricane warning, and now it has been bumped up to a Category 5... has been bumped up to a Category 5... >> NARRATOR: The Army Corps of Category 5... >> NARRATOR: The Army Corps of Engineers is evacuating most of >> NARRATOR: The Army Corps of Engineers is evacuating most of its staff to be on standby, safe Engineers is evacuating most of its staff to be on standby, safe from the storm.
its staff to be on standby, safe from the storm.
>> We have a plan for a team to from the storm.
>> We have a plan for a team to remain behind in New Orleans, an eight- or nine-man team in a eight- or nine-man team in a bunker that's certified for a bunker that's certified for a Category 5 storm.
>> NARRATOR: Perry Lartigue is >> NARRATOR: Perry Lartigue is one of the men who stays to >> NARRATOR: Perry Lartigue is one of the men who stays to monitor the levees.
one of the men who stays to monitor the levees.
>> And this is the bunker.
monitor the levees.
>> And this is the bunker.
This is the room that we manned >> And this is the bunker.
This is the room that we manned the phones from the EOC office.
This is the room that we manned the phones from the EOC office.
There was eight of us with the phones from the EOC office.
There was eight of us with Colonel Wagenaar.
There was eight of us with Colonel Wagenaar.
>> NARRATOR: Walter Maestri Colonel Wagenaar.
>> NARRATOR: Walter Maestri decides to evacuate most of his >> NARRATOR: Walter Maestri decides to evacuate most of his personnel.
decides to evacuate most of his personnel.
>> We get to a minimum staff personnel.
>> We get to a minimum staff very quickly, implement what we >> We get to a minimum staff very quickly, implement what we call our "doomsday procedures," very quickly, implement what we call our "doomsday procedures," and make sure that the fewest call our "doomsday procedures," and make sure that the fewest possible folks are at risk.
and make sure that the fewest possible folks are at risk.
>> NARRATOR: The mayor issues possible folks are at risk.
>> NARRATOR: The mayor issues the city's first-ever mandatory >> NARRATOR: The mayor issues the city's first-ever mandatory evacuation.
the city's first-ever mandatory evacuation.
>> Every person is hereby evacuation.
>> Every person is hereby ordered to immediately evacuate.
>> Every person is hereby ordered to immediately evacuate.
>> NARRATOR: But for Ivor Van ordered to immediately evacuate.
>> NARRATOR: But for Ivor Van Heerden, armed with his >> NARRATOR: But for Ivor Van Heerden, armed with his prophetic knowledge, desperation Heerden, armed with his prophetic knowledge, desperation is setting in.
>> I knew we were going to lose >> I knew we were going to lose a lot of people, I knew there a lot of people, I knew there was going to be super was going to be super devastation, I knew there were devastation, I knew there were would be thousands of families would be thousands of families who would lose their who would lose their livelihoods, lose their homes.
I knew that we were going to see I knew that we were going to see an awful amount of heartbreak.
I knew that we were going to see an awful amount of heartbreak.
>> NARRATOR: The city streets an awful amount of heartbreak.
>> NARRATOR: The city streets are all but deserted.
>> NARRATOR: The city streets are all but deserted.
Those who have remained are are all but deserted.
Those who have remained are inside, preparing for the night Those who have remained are inside, preparing for the night ahead.
inside, preparing for the night ahead.
The small contingent from the ahead.
The small contingent from the Army Corps makes hourly visits The small contingent from the Army Corps makes hourly visits to check the height of the Army Corps makes hourly visits to check the height of the Mississippi.
>> We're reading gauges in from >> We're reading gauges in from about 3:00 or 4:00 in the Sunday about 3:00 or 4:00 in the Sunday evening until... the last gauge evening until... the last gauge I went out and read was at I went out and read was at 10:30.
>> NARRATOR: Though the >> NARRATOR: Though the hurricane has not yet made >> NARRATOR: Though the hurricane has not yet made landfall, the river has risen 11 hurricane has not yet made landfall, the river has risen 11 feet.
landfall, the river has risen 11 feet.
>> Around 10:30 or 11:00, the feet.
>> Around 10:30 or 11:00, the wind started to get more and >> Around 10:30 or 11:00, the wind started to get more and more rough.
wind started to get more and more rough.
>> NARRATOR: The Army team is more rough.
>> NARRATOR: The Army team is forced to retreat to their >> NARRATOR: The Army team is forced to retreat to their steel-reinforced bunker, and forced to retreat to their steel-reinforced bunker, and watch as Katrina wreaks her steel-reinforced bunker, and watch as Katrina wreaks her fury.
watch as Katrina wreaks her fury.
>> We kept looking out the front fury.
>> We kept looking out the front door porthole watching the wind >> We kept looking out the front door porthole watching the wind blow, but we felt safe.
door porthole watching the wind blow, but we felt safe.
>> NARRATOR: Outside, storm blow, but we felt safe.
>> NARRATOR: Outside, storm chasers are experiencing the >> NARRATOR: Outside, storm chasers are experiencing the storm's dramatic build-up chasers are experiencing the storm's dramatic build-up firsthand.
storm's dramatic build-up firsthand.
>> Around midnight it got really firsthand.
>> Around midnight it got really bad.
>> Around midnight it got really bad.
It was blowing to the point bad.
It was blowing to the point where the house would shake, not It was blowing to the point where the house would shake, not a lot, but it would move.
where the house would shake, not a lot, but it would move.
And you knew something was a lot, but it would move.
And you knew something was different about the way the wind And you knew something was different about the way the wind was blowing.
different about the way the wind was blowing.
>> It was very cramped, and of was blowing.
>> It was very cramped, and of course the adrenaline is very >> It was very cramped, and of course the adrenaline is very high.
course the adrenaline is very high.
We've never been in the bunker high.
We've never been in the bunker for a hurricane.
We've never been in the bunker for a hurricane.
>> The wind wasn't rattling and for a hurricane.
>> The wind wasn't rattling and just moving and shaking, it was >> The wind wasn't rattling and just moving and shaking, it was banging like a bulldozer beating just moving and shaking, it was banging like a bulldozer beating against the wall.
banging like a bulldozer beating against the wall.
It was just hitting.
against the wall.
It was just hitting.
Boom, boom.
It was just hitting.
Boom, boom.
>> The house shaking.
Boom, boom.
>> The house shaking.
It sounded like the walls were >> The house shaking.
It sounded like the walls were trying to just fall apart.
It sounded like the walls were trying to just fall apart.
And it was a scary feeling.
trying to just fall apart.
And it was a scary feeling.
And I started to feel like I was And it was a scary feeling.
And I started to feel like I was in a coffin.
NARRATOR: At 6:10 a.m., Katrina strikes land.
The National Hurricane Center has amazingly predicted her track to within about 20 miles.
She has now veered to the east of the city, avoiding the worst-case scenario.
But there is no escaping Katrina's devastating power.
Watching events from Baton Watching events from Baton Rouge, Ivor Van Heerdon and his Watching events from Baton Rouge, Ivor Van Heerdon and his team are especially concerned Rouge, Ivor Van Heerdon and his team are especially concerned about the levees on the eastern team are especially concerned about the levees on the eastern side of the city.
about the levees on the eastern side of the city.
>> We felt that the levies could side of the city.
>> We felt that the levies could be overtopped.
>> We felt that the levies could be overtopped.
Dring Hurricane Betsy, we had be overtopped.
Dring Hurricane Betsy, we had lost significant amounts of Dring Hurricane Betsy, we had lost significant amounts of levies, especially on the lost significant amounts of levies, especially on the industrial canal, and our fear levies, especially on the industrial canal, and our fear was that the same thing was industrial canal, and our fear was that the same thing was going to happen again.
was that the same thing was going to happen again.
>> NARRATOR: The eastern going to happen again.
>> NARRATOR: The eastern sections of New Orleans are >> NARRATOR: The eastern sections of New Orleans are bordered by the Industrial Canal sections of New Orleans are bordered by the Industrial Canal and the Intercoastal Waterway bordered by the Industrial Canal and the Intercoastal Waterway which connects to the Gulf.
and the Intercoastal Waterway which connects to the Gulf.
Katrina's storm surge would fire which connects to the Gulf.
Katrina's storm surge would fire like a bullet up the Katrina's storm surge would fire like a bullet up the Intercoastal Waterway toward the like a bullet up the Intercoastal Waterway toward the heart of the city.
Intercoastal Waterway toward the heart of the city.
But if it happens, no officials heart of the city.
But if it happens, no officials will know.
But if it happens, no officials will know.
The Army Corps of Engineers has will know.
The Army Corps of Engineers has no external monitoring The Army Corps of Engineers has no external monitoring equipment.
no external monitoring equipment.
While the power lasts, the equipment.
While the power lasts, the engineers rely on the media and While the power lasts, the engineers rely on the media and calls from local observers to engineers rely on the media and calls from local observers to determine the state of the calls from local observers to determine the state of the levees.
determine the state of the levees.
>> We got a lot of reports, levees.
>> We got a lot of reports, people calling in and reporting >> We got a lot of reports, people calling in and reporting things wrong with levees.
people calling in and reporting things wrong with levees.
>> NARRATOR: Despite the things wrong with levees.
>> NARRATOR: Despite the confused nature of the calls, it >> NARRATOR: Despite the confused nature of the calls, it is becoming clear that something confused nature of the calls, it is becoming clear that something has gone wrong with the levees.
is becoming clear that something has gone wrong with the levees.
At about 7:00 A.M., a massive has gone wrong with the levees.
At about 7:00 A.M., a massive storm surge charges into Eastern At about 7:00 A.M., a massive storm surge charges into Eastern New Orleans.
storm surge charges into Eastern New Orleans.
A 15-foot wave is funneled up New Orleans.
A 15-foot wave is funneled up the Intercoastal Waterway, and A 15-foot wave is funneled up the Intercoastal Waterway, and smashes into the Industrial the Intercoastal Waterway, and smashes into the Industrial Canal like a runaway train.
smashes into the Industrial Canal like a runaway train.
The earthen levees around the Canal like a runaway train.
The earthen levees around the canal are first overtopped, and The earthen levees around the canal are first overtopped, and then scoured away by the force canal are first overtopped, and then scoured away by the force of the water.
then scoured away by the force of the water.
Hit immediately are New Orleans of the water.
Hit immediately are New Orleans East, the Lower 9th Ward, and Hit immediately are New Orleans East, the Lower 9th Ward, and the Upper 9th.
East, the Lower 9th Ward, and the Upper 9th.
Residents of these poor and the Upper 9th.
Residents of these poor and working-class areas had been Residents of these poor and working-class areas had been warning for years about the working-class areas had been warning for years about the threat of a storm surge.
warning for years about the threat of a storm surge.
The water rushes into the lower threat of a storm surge.
The water rushes into the lower 9th ward and St Bernard Parish The water rushes into the lower 9th ward and St Bernard Parish at incredible speed.
>> Whoa!
>> Whoa!
>> NARRATOR: 77-year-old August >> NARRATOR: 77-year-old August Hubbard had taken shelter in a Hubbard had taken shelter in a small hotel in the Lower 9th.
But a ten-foot surge of water But a ten-foot surge of water floods the building within But a ten-foot surge of water floods the building within minutes.
floods the building within minutes.
A Navy veteran of Korea and minutes.
A Navy veteran of Korea and Vietnam, he finds himself A Navy veteran of Korea and Vietnam, he finds himself swimming for his life.
>> The water was up to my chest, >> The water was up to my chest, but I took and stumbled and went but I took and stumbled and went down, and the water was up to my down, and the water was up to my mouth almost.
They might have snakes, they They might have snakes, they might have alligators, they They might have snakes, they might have alligators, they might have anything in the might have alligators, they might have anything in the water.
might have anything in the water.
And we could see, like, water.
And we could see, like, somebody's gas pipes.
And we could see, like, somebody's gas pipes.
And I could see like streams of somebody's gas pipes.
And I could see like streams of bubbles coming up.
And I could see like streams of bubbles coming up.
As in the great flood of 1927, the poorest districts suffer most.
People are left to fend for themselves as the water rises.
And the storm is not over yet.
And the storm is not over yet.
At around 10:00 A.M., Katrina And the storm is not over yet.
At around 10:00 A.M., Katrina makes landfall again near Bay St At around 10:00 A.M., Katrina makes landfall again near Bay St Louis and Gulfport, 35 miles makes landfall again near Bay St Louis and Gulfport, 35 miles northeast of New Orleans.
Louis and Gulfport, 35 miles northeast of New Orleans.
Here, on the dangerous eastern northeast of New Orleans.
Here, on the dangerous eastern side of the eye, the storm surge Here, on the dangerous eastern side of the eye, the storm surge is a phenomenal 28 feet.
Recorded by storm chasers, Recorded by storm chasers, houses and cars are swept away Recorded by storm chasers, houses and cars are swept away by the incoming water.
houses and cars are swept away by the incoming water.
In Bay St Louis, Lisa Monti, by the incoming water.
In Bay St Louis, Lisa Monti, supposedly safe on high ground, In Bay St Louis, Lisa Monti, supposedly safe on high ground, is stranded on her upstairs supposedly safe on high ground, is stranded on her upstairs balcony.
is stranded on her upstairs balcony.
>> The water had raced down the balcony.
>> The water had raced down the street and filled the yard, and >> The water had raced down the street and filled the yard, and all the debris as it came in.
street and filled the yard, and all the debris as it came in.
The building shook and rocked so all the debris as it came in.
The building shook and rocked so much, that I didn't know how The building shook and rocked so much, that I didn't know how much it could stand.
much, that I didn't know how much it could stand.
Let's go, let's go.
much it could stand.
Let's go, let's go.
Come on.
Let's go, let's go.
Come on.
>> NARRATOR: All along the Come on.
>> NARRATOR: All along the coast, entire communities are >> NARRATOR: All along the coast, entire communities are wiped out.
coast, entire communities are wiped out.
Back in New Orleans, confusion wiped out.
Back in New Orleans, confusion reigns.
Back in New Orleans, confusion reigns.
Electricity is off.
reigns.
Electricity is off.
Land lines and cell phone Electricity is off.
Land lines and cell phone networks are down.
Land lines and cell phone networks are down.
With communications decimated, networks are down.
With communications decimated, city officials and emergency With communications decimated, city officials and emergency teams are unaware of the extent city officials and emergency teams are unaware of the extent of the damage, especially the teams are unaware of the extent of the damage, especially the flooding in the 9th Ward.
of the damage, especially the flooding in the 9th Ward.
By early afternoon, Katrina is flooding in the 9th Ward.
By early afternoon, Katrina is moving inland, progressing north By early afternoon, Katrina is moving inland, progressing north and gradually weakening.
>> When the storm left and >> When the storm left and started to move to the north, we started to move to the north, we felt blessed because it appeared felt blessed because it appeared that Katrina had not been, you that Katrina had not been, you know, as devastating as we know, as devastating as we thought.
>> NARRATOR: But they couldn't >> NARRATOR: But they couldn't be more wrong.
>> NARRATOR: But they couldn't be more wrong.
A second huge flood has already be more wrong.
A second huge flood has already hit the city.
A second huge flood has already hit the city.
Around 2:00 P.M., Colonel hit the city.
Around 2:00 P.M., Colonel Wagenaar and his engineers Around 2:00 P.M., Colonel Wagenaar and his engineers finally head downtown to check Wagenaar and his engineers finally head downtown to check on vague reports of damage to finally head downtown to check on vague reports of damage to the drainage canals at London on vague reports of damage to the drainage canals at London Avenue and 17th Street.
the drainage canals at London Avenue and 17th Street.
>> There was a civilian that had Avenue and 17th Street.
>> There was a civilian that had told us that there was an >> There was a civilian that had told us that there was an overtopping, or something wrong told us that there was an overtopping, or something wrong with the wall.
overtopping, or something wrong with the wall.
>> NARRATOR: But over a mile with the wall.
>> NARRATOR: But over a mile from the 17th Street Canal they >> NARRATOR: But over a mile from the 17th Street Canal they are stopped in their tracks.
from the 17th Street Canal they are stopped in their tracks.
>> We could not get any closer.
We encountered significant We encountered significant amounts of water at what we call amounts of water at what we call the I10/610 split on the the I10/610 split on the interstate highway, probably interstate highway, probably about ten to 15 feet of water.
about ten to 15 feet of water.
I knew at that point that that I knew at that point that that was much more water than had was much more water than had come down from rainfall.
>> NARRATOR: The 17th Street and >> NARRATOR: The 17th Street and London Avenue Canals burst in >> NARRATOR: The 17th Street and London Avenue Canals burst in three major locations sometime London Avenue Canals burst in three major locations sometime around 10:00 A.M.
Throughout the day, water from Throughout the day, water from Lake Pontchartrain pours at high Lake Pontchartrain pours at high pressure into the heart of New pressure into the heart of New Orleans.
Orleans.
The city's huge pumps, only The city's huge pumps, only designed to deal with rainfall, designed to deal with rainfall, are no match for the rising are no match for the rising water.
Nothing can be done to stop the Nothing can be done to stop the water gushing in through the Nothing can be done to stop the water gushing in through the gaping breaches in the two water gushing in through the gaping breaches in the two canals.
>> One of the problems is that >> One of the problems is that the system is designed to keep the system is designed to keep the water out, but there was no the water out, but there was no provision, really, for managing provision, really, for managing the water once it got inside the the water once it got inside the city.
>> There wasn't a specific plan >> There wasn't a specific plan to fight the floods if a >> There wasn't a specific plan to fight the floods if a floodwall failed.
to fight the floods if a floodwall failed.
We had a plan from the floodwall failed.
We had a plan from the organizational perspective, but We had a plan from the organizational perspective, but not specifically to fight if organizational perspective, but not specifically to fight if there was a failure of a not specifically to fight if there was a failure of a floodwall.
there was a failure of a floodwall.
>> NARRATOR: As the afternoon floodwall.
>> NARRATOR: As the afternoon progresses, water continues to >> NARRATOR: As the afternoon progresses, water continues to pour into the city.
progresses, water continues to pour into the city.
The New Orleans bowl is filling pour into the city.
The New Orleans bowl is filling up.
The New Orleans bowl is filling up.
Africa Brumfield's home is up.
Africa Brumfield's home is downtown, near the London Avenue Africa Brumfield's home is downtown, near the London Avenue Canal, right in the path of the downtown, near the London Avenue Canal, right in the path of the second flood.
>> I sat outside from about 3:00 >> I sat outside from about 3:00 when the water started to come when the water started to come in, until maybe 7:00 that night, in, until maybe 7:00 that night, watching the water rise from the watching the water rise from the ground.
And it continued to rise and it And it continued to rise and it continued to rise.
And it continued to rise and it continued to rise.
So we went into the house and we continued to rise.
So we went into the house and we figured it'll stop.
So we went into the house and we figured it'll stop.
So I tried to lie down and go to figured it'll stop.
So I tried to lie down and go to sleep, but who could rest in So I tried to lie down and go to sleep, but who could rest in situations like that?
sleep, but who could rest in situations like that?
>> It was getting dark.
situations like that?
>> It was getting dark.
And that night we returned to >> It was getting dark.
And that night we returned to the district and just hunkered And that night we returned to the district and just hunkered down for the night-- there was the district and just hunkered down for the night-- there was only still the nine of us-- and down for the night-- there was only still the nine of us-- and waited for the next morning to only still the nine of us-- and waited for the next morning to get back out there and do our waited for the next morning to get back out there and do our assessments.
get back out there and do our assessments.
>> NARRATOR: By nightfall, the assessments.
>> NARRATOR: By nightfall, the water is still rising.
>> NARRATOR: By nightfall, the water is still rising.
But with communications out, water is still rising.
But with communications out, many in the sleeping city are But with communications out, many in the sleeping city are unaware of the danger.
many in the sleeping city are unaware of the danger.
>> We could have got to vehicles unaware of the danger.
>> We could have got to vehicles driving on the interstates with >> We could have got to vehicles driving on the interstates with bullhorns telling people.
driving on the interstates with bullhorns telling people.
We even could have used bullhorns telling people.
We even could have used helicopters with bullhorns.
We even could have used helicopters with bullhorns.
We could have warned the people: helicopters with bullhorns.
We could have warned the people: "A big flood is coming, take We could have warned the people: "A big flood is coming, take evasive action."
"A big flood is coming, take evasive action."
We didn't.
People went to bed on Monday People went to bed on Monday evening, houses dry, and woke up evening, houses dry, and woke up in the middle of the night with in the middle of the night with water up to their waist.
>> I got up around midnight and >> I got up around midnight and it was still rising in the >> I got up around midnight and it was still rising in the house.
it was still rising in the house.
And my house sat up about four house.
And my house sat up about four feet off of the ground.
And my house sat up about four feet off of the ground.
And I was thinking if my house feet off of the ground.
And I was thinking if my house is four feet off the ground and And I was thinking if my house is four feet off the ground and the water is in my house-- I'm is four feet off the ground and the water is in my house-- I'm only 5'1", and it's in my house the water is in my house-- I'm only 5'1", and it's in my house about two feet-- there's no way only 5'1", and it's in my house about two feet-- there's no way that I'm getting outside without about two feet-- there's no way that I'm getting outside without going for a nice swim.
>> NARRATOR: As dawn breaks on >> NARRATOR: As dawn breaks on Tuesday, the extent of the >> NARRATOR: As dawn breaks on Tuesday, the extent of the damage is becoming clear.
Tuesday, the extent of the damage is becoming clear.
There are multiple breaks in the damage is becoming clear.
There are multiple breaks in the levees: two major ones on the There are multiple breaks in the levees: two major ones on the Industrial Canal that flooded levees: two major ones on the Industrial Canal that flooded the 9th Ward to the east; and Industrial Canal that flooded the 9th Ward to the east; and three on the 17th Street and the 9th Ward to the east; and three on the 17th Street and London Avenue Canals, which three on the 17th Street and London Avenue Canals, which filled up the central city bowl.
London Avenue Canals, which filled up the central city bowl.
75% of greater New Orleans is filled up the central city bowl.
75% of greater New Orleans is now underwater.
75% of greater New Orleans is now underwater.
And it is still full of people.
now underwater.
And it is still full of people.
Rescue teams are massively And it is still full of people.
Rescue teams are massively overloaded.
Rescue teams are massively overloaded.
For more than a half century, no overloaded.
For more than a half century, no U.S. hurricane has affected so For more than a half century, no U.S. hurricane has affected so many.
>> We worked from probably 5:00 >> We worked from probably 5:00 all through the night without all through the night without stopping, into the next night.
>> We grabbed air mattresses and >> We grabbed air mattresses and pots because we needed something >> We grabbed air mattresses and pots because we needed something to paddle with.
pots because we needed something to paddle with.
And we got on the water and we to paddle with.
And we got on the water and we started to paddle on the air And we got on the water and we started to paddle on the air mattresses with the pots.
started to paddle on the air mattresses with the pots.
People are screaming, "Help us, mattresses with the pots.
People are screaming, "Help us, can you please help us?"
People are screaming, "Help us, can you please help us?"
I sent two of my really good can you please help us?"
I sent two of my really good friends back.
I sent two of my really good friends back.
And they saved a lot of elderly friends back.
And they saved a lot of elderly people that really couldn't walk And they saved a lot of elderly people that really couldn't walk or move, and a lot of little people that really couldn't walk or move, and a lot of little children.
or move, and a lot of little children.
>> I was bringing out at least children.
>> I was bringing out at least 50 people per run.
>> I was bringing out at least 50 people per run.
And I made runs for a week 50 people per run.
And I made runs for a week solid.
And I made runs for a week solid.
I was worn out.
solid.
I was worn out.
You always hear about the I was worn out.
You always hear about the "doomsday storm" that they've You always hear about the "doomsday storm" that they've been predicting for 100 years to "doomsday storm" that they've been predicting for 100 years to hit this city.
been predicting for 100 years to hit this city.
Well, this was it.
hit this city.
Well, this was it.
>> NARRATOR: When the water Well, this was it.
>> NARRATOR: When the water finally stops rising in the >> NARRATOR: When the water finally stops rising in the flooded city, work can resume on finally stops rising in the flooded city, work can resume on fixing the floodwalls.
flooded city, work can resume on fixing the floodwalls.
With roads and canals blocked, fixing the floodwalls.
With roads and canals blocked, the Army Corps of Engineers is With roads and canals blocked, the Army Corps of Engineers is initially restricted to the Army Corps of Engineers is initially restricted to helicopters.
initially restricted to helicopters.
>> There used to be houses helicopters.
>> There used to be houses there.
>> That's a Chinook helicopter, >> That's a Chinook helicopter, it's a medium-lift helicopter, it's a medium-lift helicopter, and there are three... should be and there are three... should be three sandbags underneath that, three sandbags underneath that, and it is reinforcing one of the and it is reinforcing one of the sights that was breached on the sights that was breached on the London Avenue canal.
So underneath all of this rock So underneath all of this rock and gravel are sandbag... well, So underneath all of this rock and gravel are sandbag... well, you can see them right here, and gravel are sandbag... well, you can see them right here, sandbags just like that.
you can see them right here, sandbags just like that.
So they are flying over to that sandbags just like that.
So they are flying over to that breach, dropping the sandbags So they are flying over to that breach, dropping the sandbags and building up the height of breach, dropping the sandbags and building up the height of that wall that's stopping the and building up the height of that wall that's stopping the water from moving from the canal that wall that's stopping the water from moving from the canal to the flooded areas.
water from moving from the canal to the flooded areas.
>> NARRATOR: Eventually the to the flooded areas.
>> NARRATOR: Eventually the breaches are filled and the >> NARRATOR: Eventually the breaches are filled and the water begins to be pumped out.
breaches are filled and the water begins to be pumped out.
But it will take over a month water begins to be pumped out.
But it will take over a month before the city is dry.
But it will take over a month before the city is dry.
In the meantime, rescue efforts before the city is dry.
In the meantime, rescue efforts continue.
In the meantime, rescue efforts continue.
Hundreds are pulled from their continue.
Hundreds are pulled from their wrecked homes.
Hundreds are pulled from their wrecked homes.
77-year-old August Hubbard from wrecked homes.
77-year-old August Hubbard from the Lower 9th Ward spends a 77-year-old August Hubbard from the Lower 9th Ward spends a freezing night after swimming to the Lower 9th Ward spends a freezing night after swimming to an overpass, until a helicopter freezing night after swimming to an overpass, until a helicopter finally picks him up.
an overpass, until a helicopter finally picks him up.
>> Helicopters kept passing and finally picks him up.
>> Helicopters kept passing and waving at us.
>> Helicopters kept passing and waving at us.
They put me in hospital...
I waving at us.
They put me in hospital...
I stood in a hospital for three They put me in hospital...
I stood in a hospital for three and half days because I had the stood in a hospital for three and half days because I had the diarrhea, and they were checking and half days because I had the diarrhea, and they were checking on my heart and stuff like that.
diarrhea, and they were checking on my heart and stuff like that.
Then they brought me to an on my heart and stuff like that.
Then they brought me to an airplane hangar, and there where Then they brought me to an airplane hangar, and there where like about 4,000, 5,000 people airplane hangar, and there where like about 4,000, 5,000 people in there, and we were sleeping like about 4,000, 5,000 people in there, and we were sleeping on mattresses.
in there, and we were sleeping on mattresses.
>> NARRATOR: The chaotic on mattresses.
>> NARRATOR: The chaotic official response means that >> NARRATOR: The chaotic official response means that there is still no food or water official response means that there is still no food or water available to the crowds of there is still no food or water available to the crowds of people in the city.
available to the crowds of people in the city.
For many, there is no way out.
people in the city.
For many, there is no way out.
Civilization is breaking down For many, there is no way out.
Civilization is breaking down around them.
Civilization is breaking down around them.
>> We passed a lady in a around them.
>> We passed a lady in a hospital bed being pushed on the >> We passed a lady in a hospital bed being pushed on the interstate, and all of a sudden hospital bed being pushed on the interstate, and all of a sudden reality hits you of where you interstate, and all of a sudden reality hits you of where you are and what's really happening reality hits you of where you are and what's really happening to you.
are and what's really happening to you.
>> NARRATOR: The rescued and to you.
>> NARRATOR: The rescued and displaced are told to head for >> NARRATOR: The rescued and displaced are told to head for shelter at the Superdome and the displaced are told to head for shelter at the Superdome and the Convention Center.
shelter at the Superdome and the Convention Center.
In a story that's all too Convention Center.
In a story that's all too familiar, many are forced to In a story that's all too familiar, many are forced to wait in squalid conditions for familiar, many are forced to wait in squalid conditions for days.
wait in squalid conditions for days.
All around them the city lies in days.
All around them the city lies in ruins.
All around them the city lies in ruins.
60,000 houses in New Orleans and ruins.
60,000 houses in New Orleans and other communities are eventually 60,000 houses in New Orleans and other communities are eventually declared "damaged beyond other communities are eventually declared "damaged beyond repair."
declared "damaged beyond repair."
In New Orleans alone, over 1,000 repair."
In New Orleans alone, over 1,000 people have lost their lives.
In New Orleans alone, over 1,000 people have lost their lives.
>> It's just something I never people have lost their lives.
>> It's just something I never in my wildest dreams thought I >> It's just something I never in my wildest dreams thought I would ever see, or could ever in my wildest dreams thought I would ever see, or could ever happen.
would ever see, or could ever happen.
Who would have ever thought happen.
Who would have ever thought 100,000 people, you know, would Who would have ever thought 100,000 people, you know, would stay for a Category 5 hurricane?
100,000 people, you know, would stay for a Category 5 hurricane?
I guess the reason they stayed stay for a Category 5 hurricane?
I guess the reason they stayed is who would ever think the I guess the reason they stayed is who would ever think the levees would fail?
is who would ever think the levees would fail?
>> NARRATOR: So was the damage levees would fail?
>> NARRATOR: So was the damage and loss of life avoidable?
>> NARRATOR: So was the damage and loss of life avoidable?
Why did the levees fail?
and loss of life avoidable?
Why did the levees fail?
In the wake of the storm, Why did the levees fail?
In the wake of the storm, questions began to be asked, and In the wake of the storm, questions began to be asked, and they focused on the height of questions began to be asked, and they focused on the height of the storm surge.
they focused on the height of the storm surge.
On the Gulf Coast, Bay St Louis the storm surge.
On the Gulf Coast, Bay St Louis was on the dangerous eastern On the Gulf Coast, Bay St Louis was on the dangerous eastern side of the eye when the surge was on the dangerous eastern side of the eye when the surge hit.
side of the eye when the surge hit.
Lisa Monti's town experienced hit.
Lisa Monti's town experienced the maximum 28-foot height of Lisa Monti's town experienced the maximum 28-foot height of the surge.
the maximum 28-foot height of the surge.
>> You could see how massive the the surge.
>> You could see how massive the wall of water was that climbed >> You could see how massive the wall of water was that climbed up and did all of this wall of water was that climbed up and did all of this destruction.
up and did all of this destruction.
As far as you can see on either destruction.
As far as you can see on either side of the beach there As far as you can see on either side of the beach there really... there is nothing.
I have heard many of the workers I have heard many of the workers who were from out of town who were from out of town saying, "I can tell that this saying, "I can tell that this was a special place."
>> NARRATOR: New Orleans was on >> NARRATOR: New Orleans was on the less powerful western side >> NARRATOR: New Orleans was on the less powerful western side of the hurricane.
the less powerful western side of the hurricane.
Still, a wave of 18 to 25 feet of the hurricane.
Still, a wave of 18 to 25 feet shot up the Intercoastal Still, a wave of 18 to 25 feet shot up the Intercoastal Waterway and along the shot up the Intercoastal Waterway and along the Industrial Canal.
Waterway and along the Industrial Canal.
It overtopped the Category 3 Industrial Canal.
It overtopped the Category 3 levee walls by more than five It overtopped the Category 3 levee walls by more than five feet, scouring away their levee walls by more than five feet, scouring away their foundations and pushing them feet, scouring away their foundations and pushing them aside.
foundations and pushing them aside.
It became clear that overtopping aside.
It became clear that overtopping was the main reason the levees It became clear that overtopping was the main reason the levees had failed around the Lower 9th was the main reason the levees had failed around the Lower 9th Ward.
had failed around the Lower 9th Ward.
But the breaches that flooded Ward.
But the breaches that flooded downtown New Orleans were more But the breaches that flooded downtown New Orleans were more difficult to figure out.
downtown New Orleans were more difficult to figure out.
By the time the storm surge difficult to figure out.
By the time the storm surge reached the 17th street and By the time the storm surge reached the 17th street and London Avenue canals, its height reached the 17th street and London Avenue canals, its height was much lower.
London Avenue canals, its height was much lower.
In theory, the floodwalls along was much lower.
In theory, the floodwalls along these two canals should not have In theory, the floodwalls along these two canals should not have failed like the overtopped these two canals should not have failed like the overtopped levees of the Industrial Canal failed like the overtopped levees of the Industrial Canal to the east.
levees of the Industrial Canal to the east.
The water never got within two to the east.
The water never got within two feet of the top.
The water never got within two feet of the top.
>> The London Avenue and 17th feet of the top.
>> The London Avenue and 17th Street canals did not experience >> The London Avenue and 17th Street canals did not experience Category 3 conditions.
Street canals did not experience Category 3 conditions.
They experienced conditions of a Category 3 conditions.
They experienced conditions of a Category 1 or Category 2 storm.
They experienced conditions of a Category 1 or Category 2 storm.
So the design criteria weren't Category 1 or Category 2 storm.
So the design criteria weren't exceeded.
So the design criteria weren't exceeded.
>> NARRATOR: So if they weren't exceeded.
>> NARRATOR: So if they weren't overtopped, why did they fail?
>> NARRATOR: So if they weren't overtopped, why did they fail?
That is the subject of a major overtopped, why did they fail?
That is the subject of a major engineering investigation.
That is the subject of a major engineering investigation.
>> We're right now at the engineering investigation.
>> We're right now at the northern end of what is called >> We're right now at the northern end of what is called the 17th Street Canal, right at northern end of what is called the 17th Street Canal, right at the lake shore.
the 17th Street Canal, right at the lake shore.
That's the breach.
the lake shore.
That's the breach.
That's ground zero, as it was That's the breach.
That's ground zero, as it was called.
That's ground zero, as it was called.
As with a boat, all you need is called.
As with a boat, all you need is one hole and the whole boat can As with a boat, all you need is one hole and the whole boat can sink.
one hole and the whole boat can sink.
This actually was the weak link sink.
This actually was the weak link in the chain.
This actually was the weak link in the chain.
>> NARRATOR: But the problem in the chain.
>> NARRATOR: But the problem lies deeper than the concrete >> NARRATOR: But the problem lies deeper than the concrete floodwall itself.
lies deeper than the concrete floodwall itself.
Joe Suhayda is looking for floodwall itself.
Joe Suhayda is looking for evidence to support his theory Joe Suhayda is looking for evidence to support his theory that the walls here were not evidence to support his theory that the walls here were not overtopped, but undermined.
that the walls here were not overtopped, but undermined.
>> Now, was this dirt always overtopped, but undermined.
>> Now, was this dirt always here, this hill?
>> Now, was this dirt always here, this hill?
>> Yeah, but it was not here.
here, this hill?
>> Yeah, but it was not here.
>> See, that's what we >> Yeah, but it was not here.
>> See, that's what we suspected.
>> See, that's what we suspected.
This area was, as we suspected, suspected.
This area was, as we suspected, about 30 feet closer to the This area was, as we suspected, about 30 feet closer to the water.
about 30 feet closer to the water.
And the movement of the earth water.
And the movement of the earth which went sideways actually And the movement of the earth which went sideways actually lifted the house up, you say.
which went sideways actually lifted the house up, you say.
>> That's exactly... that's lifted the house up, you say.
>> That's exactly... that's correct.
>> That's exactly... that's correct.
It's up in the air.
correct.
It's up in the air.
>> That's amazing.
It's up in the air.
>> That's amazing.
>>> NARRATOR: The floodwalls had >> That's amazing.
>>> NARRATOR: The floodwalls had undergone what engineers call a >>> NARRATOR: The floodwalls had undergone what engineers call a pressure burst.
undergone what engineers call a pressure burst.
They were undermined by their pressure burst.
They were undermined by their own foundations, soft, peaty They were undermined by their own foundations, soft, peaty soil-- no match for the force of own foundations, soft, peaty soil-- no match for the force of the water.
>> This is what we had suspected >> This is what we had suspected in terms of the mechanism of in terms of the mechanism of failure, was that the floodwall failure, was that the floodwall failed at the base, the earth failed at the base, the earth was too weak, and the sheet was too weak, and the sheet piling itself, and the monolith, piling itself, and the monolith, the concrete structure, were the concrete structure, were just pushed laterally like the just pushed laterally like the blade of a bulldozer.
>> NARRATOR: Evidence suggests >> NARRATOR: Evidence suggests that the floodwall failures >> NARRATOR: Evidence suggests that the floodwall failures could have been prevented if that the floodwall failures could have been prevented if their pilings had been driven could have been prevented if their pilings had been driven more deeply into the ground.
>> What is now very obvious is >> What is now very obvious is that these walls were under- that these walls were under- designed, under-engineered.
It was basically a catastrophic It was basically a catastrophic structural failure of those It was basically a catastrophic structural failure of those >> NARRATOR: The Army Corps of >> NARRATOR: The Army Corps of Engineers plans to build >> NARRATOR: The Army Corps of Engineers plans to build hundreds of miles of barriers, Engineers plans to build hundreds of miles of barriers, gates and pumps in and around hundreds of miles of barriers, gates and pumps in and around New Orleans.
gates and pumps in and around New Orleans.
And the system may be needed now New Orleans.
And the system may be needed now more than ever.
And the system may be needed now more than ever.
2005 turned out to be the more than ever.
2005 turned out to be the busiest hurricane season on 2005 turned out to be the busiest hurricane season on record.
busiest hurricane season on record.
Katrina was swiftly followed by record.
Katrina was swiftly followed by Rita, causing more damage to the Katrina was swiftly followed by Rita, causing more damage to the Gulf Coast.
Rita, causing more damage to the Gulf Coast.
Stan, smashing into Central Gulf Coast.
Stan, smashing into Central America.
Stan, smashing into Central America.
And Wilma, devastating Mexico America.
And Wilma, devastating Mexico and Florida.
And Wilma, devastating Mexico and Florida.
Meteorologists ran out of and Florida.
Meteorologists ran out of letters in the Roman alphabet.
Meteorologists ran out of letters in the Roman alphabet.
Moving onto the Greek, the letters in the Roman alphabet.
Moving onto the Greek, the first ever hurricanes Alpha, Moving onto the Greek, the first ever hurricanes Alpha, Beta and so on were recorded.
For decades, scientists have For decades, scientists have understood that hurricanes come For decades, scientists have understood that hurricanes come in cycles.
understood that hurricanes come in cycles.
>> We think here at the National in cycles.
>> We think here at the National Hurricane Center that hurricane >> We think here at the National Hurricane Center that hurricane activity is cyclical and you'll Hurricane Center that hurricane activity is cyclical and you'll have some active periods activity is cyclical and you'll have some active periods followed by inactive periods have some active periods followed by inactive periods followed by active years again.
followed by inactive periods followed by active years again.
And in fact, the, the '40s, '50s followed by active years again.
And in fact, the, the '40s, '50s and '60s were very active in the And in fact, the, the '40s, '50s and '60s were very active in the Atlantic Basin, the '70s, '80s and '60s were very active in the Atlantic Basin, the '70s, '80s and early '90s very inactive, Atlantic Basin, the '70s, '80s and early '90s very inactive, and then 1995 we really became and early '90s very inactive, and then 1995 we really became active again.
and then 1995 we really became active again.
>> NARRATOR: But some scientists active again.
>> NARRATOR: But some scientists believe that cycles alone do not >> NARRATOR: But some scientists believe that cycles alone do not explain the increase in powerful believe that cycles alone do not explain the increase in powerful hurricanes.
explain the increase in powerful hurricanes.
Studies of global hurricane hurricanes.
Studies of global hurricane activity over the last 30 years Studies of global hurricane activity over the last 30 years have shown that although activity over the last 30 years have shown that although hurricane frequency seems have shown that although hurricane frequency seems unchanged, the average intensity hurricane frequency seems unchanged, the average intensity has increased.
unchanged, the average intensity has increased.
The number of Category 4 or 5 has increased.
The number of Category 4 or 5 storms has almost doubled.
The number of Category 4 or 5 storms has almost doubled.
Peter Webster believes this is storms has almost doubled.
Peter Webster believes this is linked to rising ocean Peter Webster believes this is linked to rising ocean temperatures all over the world.
>> The bottom line of our study >> The bottom line of our study is that we find a consistency is that we find a consistency between the increase of surface between the increase of surface temperature in all of the oceans temperature in all of the oceans and a change in intensity to and a change in intensity to more intense storms.
>> NARRATOR: Over the last 30 >> NARRATOR: Over the last 30 years, global sea surface >> NARRATOR: Over the last 30 years, global sea surface temperatures have climbed about years, global sea surface temperatures have climbed about one degree Fahrenheit, or over temperatures have climbed about one degree Fahrenheit, or over half a degree centigrade, and one degree Fahrenheit, or over half a degree centigrade, and this provides vast amount of half a degree centigrade, and this provides vast amount of extra energy for hurricanes.
this provides vast amount of extra energy for hurricanes.
>> One hurricane is the same as extra energy for hurricanes.
>> One hurricane is the same as 100,000 atomic bombs.
>> One hurricane is the same as 100,000 atomic bombs.
That's incredible power.
100,000 atomic bombs.
That's incredible power. )
In just one area, such as the In just one area, such as the Gulf of Mexico, that small half- Gulf of Mexico, that small half- degree increase in temperature degree increase in temperature of the sea's surface is the of the sea's surface is the equivalent energy of about one equivalent energy of about one million atomic bombs. )
) If you're thinking of it in ) If you're thinking of it in terms of the fact that there's If you're thinking of it in terms of the fact that there's enough energy in that half terms of the fact that there's enough energy in that half degree to generate an extra ten enough energy in that half degree to generate an extra ten strong hurricanes, then you degree to generate an extra ten strong hurricanes, then you start to see the size of the strong hurricanes, then you start to see the size of the problem.
start to see the size of the problem.
>> NARRATOR: Global warming, the problem.
>> NARRATOR: Global warming, the heating of the atmosphere often >> NARRATOR: Global warming, the heating of the atmosphere often associated with human activity, heating of the atmosphere often associated with human activity, has been invoked to explain both associated with human activity, has been invoked to explain both the rise in ocean temperature has been invoked to explain both the rise in ocean temperature So one is left, in a sense, to the greenhouse gases increases as probably the reason that we're getting the sea surface temperature increase.
I think that's been studied, and I think that most reasonable scientists will make that association.
But not everyone agrees.
But not everyone agrees.
>> A lot of people ask about the But not everyone agrees.
>> A lot of people ask about the relationship between hurricanes >> A lot of people ask about the relationship between hurricanes and global warming, and that's relationship between hurricanes and global warming, and that's certainly a fair question.
and global warming, and that's certainly a fair question.
We think that hurricane activity certainly a fair question.
We think that hurricane activity can be explained without We think that hurricane activity can be explained without invoking global warming.
can be explained without invoking global warming.
>> NARRATOR: But scientists do invoking global warming.
>> NARRATOR: But scientists do agree that things are going to >> NARRATOR: But scientists do agree that things are going to get worse before they get agree that things are going to get worse before they get better.
get worse before they get better.
>> The bad news here is that the better.
>> The bad news here is that the research meteorologists tell us >> The bad news here is that the research meteorologists tell us that this active period that research meteorologists tell us that this active period that we're in could very well last that this active period that we're in could very well last another ten or 20 years.
we're in could very well last another ten or 20 years.
So my message there is, no another ten or 20 years.
So my message there is, no matter what, that we're in this So my message there is, no matter what, that we're in this active period and we need to all matter what, that we're in this active period and we need to all be prepared.
active period and we need to all be prepared.
>> NARRATOR: With its defenses be prepared.
>> NARRATOR: With its defenses found wanting, New Orleans will >> NARRATOR: With its defenses found wanting, New Orleans will have to struggle to be ready for found wanting, New Orleans will have to struggle to be ready for the next assault.
have to struggle to be ready for the next assault.
All indications are that the the next assault.
All indications are that the levees and floodwalls are not up All indications are that the levees and floodwalls are not up to the job of protecting the levees and floodwalls are not up to the job of protecting the city, even from a Category 3 to the job of protecting the city, even from a Category 3 hurricane.
city, even from a Category 3 hurricane.
There is no money to upgrade hurricane.
There is no money to upgrade them, even though more Category There is no money to upgrade them, even though more Category 4 and 5's are expected.
them, even though more Category 4 and 5's are expected.
>> Category 3 protection was not 4 and 5's are expected.
>> Category 3 protection was not adequate.
>> Category 3 protection was not adequate.
It's clear to me that if we are adequate.
It's clear to me that if we are going to rebuild the city that It's clear to me that if we are going to rebuild the city that it has to be built on a basis of going to rebuild the city that it has to be built on a basis of Category 5 protection.
it has to be built on a basis of Category 5 protection.
It clearly would have made sense Category 5 protection.
It clearly would have made sense to protect and avoid the Federal It clearly would have made sense to protect and avoid the Federal Government spending the hundreds to protect and avoid the Federal Government spending the hundreds of billions of dollars by Government spending the hundreds of billions of dollars by investing, let's say, an of billions of dollars by investing, let's say, an additional $2 billion in levee investing, let's say, an additional $2 billion in levee protection.
>> NARRATOR: But levees are not >> NARRATOR: But levees are not the only way to protect a the only way to protect a sinking city.
sinking city.
More radical options are now on More radical options are now on the table.
>> Much of the city is below sea >> Much of the city is below sea level.
>> Much of the city is below sea level.
I think given the opportunity in level.
I think given the opportunity in situations like over my shoulder I think given the opportunity in situations like over my shoulder here, where the area will have situations like over my shoulder here, where the area will have to be completely demolished, here, where the area will have to be completely demolished, that we rebuild those and to be completely demolished, that we rebuild those and basically invert the bowl; bring that we rebuild those and basically invert the bowl; bring sediments in to raise the basically invert the bowl; bring sediments in to raise the ground, perhaps up as high as sediments in to raise the ground, perhaps up as high as we're standing right now.
ground, perhaps up as high as we're standing right now.
>> NARRATOR: But preventing we're standing right now.
>> NARRATOR: But preventing further destruction of the >> NARRATOR: But preventing further destruction of the environment may be as effective further destruction of the environment may be as effective as any ambitious rebuilding environment may be as effective as any ambitious rebuilding scheme.
as any ambitious rebuilding scheme.
>> The ultimate key to scheme.
>> The ultimate key to Louisiana's survival and >> The ultimate key to Louisiana's survival and reducing the impacts of surges Louisiana's survival and reducing the impacts of surges is to restore our coastal reducing the impacts of surges is to restore our coastal wetlands.
is to restore our coastal wetlands.
These wetlands knock down the wetlands.
These wetlands knock down the surge, and they also reduce wind These wetlands knock down the surge, and they also reduce wind energy as the storms pass over surge, and they also reduce wind energy as the storms pass over them.
energy as the storms pass over them.
>> NARRATOR: After nearly a them.
>> NARRATOR: After nearly a century of building levees to >> NARRATOR: After nearly a century of building levees to control the Mississippi, one century of building levees to control the Mississippi, one idea is to let parts of the control the Mississippi, one idea is to let parts of the river run wild once more.
idea is to let parts of the river run wild once more.
This plan would create a new river run wild once more.
This plan would create a new tributary that would be allowed This plan would create a new tributary that would be allowed to flood, deposit silt, and tributary that would be allowed to flood, deposit silt, and rebuild the wetlands.
to flood, deposit silt, and rebuild the wetlands.
This would cost billions, and rebuild the wetlands.
This would cost billions, and take as long as 50 years.
This would cost billions, and take as long as 50 years.
But just as difficult may be the take as long as 50 years.
But just as difficult may be the task of rebuilding the But just as difficult may be the task of rebuilding the confidence of the people of New task of rebuilding the confidence of the people of New Orleans.
confidence of the people of New Orleans.
Both the disaster and the long, Orleans.
Both the disaster and the long, slow process of rebuilding have Both the disaster and the long, slow process of rebuilding have convinced many not to return.
>> This was home.
>> This was home.
And I've been all over the And I've been all over the world, thanks to the military.
world, thanks to the military.
and nothing ever felt like New and nothing ever felt like New Orleans ever.
But I can't come back to live.
But I can't come back to live.
Going through that again is too But I can't come back to live.
Going through that again is too scary.
Going through that again is too scary.
>> NARRATOR: For those who had scary.
>> NARRATOR: For those who had long predicted this calamity, >> NARRATOR: For those who had long predicted this calamity, all the attention now being long predicted this calamity, all the attention now being given to hurricane protection all the attention now being given to hurricane protection has brought no contentment.
given to hurricane protection has brought no contentment.
With around 1,300 dead and has brought no contentment.
With around 1,300 dead and 800,000 homeless, the price has With around 1,300 dead and 800,000 homeless, the price has been far too high.
>> It's horrible to see it, but >> It's horrible to see it, but I knew I was right.
I knew I was right.
I knew that it could happen.
I knew that it could happen.
It's horrible that it did.
And what I see around me now, And what I see around me now, when the faces of the And what I see around me now, when the faces of the individuals who have lost when the faces of the individuals who have lost everything and don't know, you individuals who have lost everything and don't know, you know, what's going to happen to everything and don't know, you know, what's going to happen to them, that's devastating.
know, what's going to happen to them, that's devastating.
That's the devastating part.
them, that's devastating.
That's the devastating part.
>> NARRATOR: And for those That's the devastating part.
>> NARRATOR: And for those scientists who'd seen their >> NARRATOR: And for those scientists who'd seen their warnings ignored, it hits scientists who'd seen their warnings ignored, it hits especially hard.
warnings ignored, it hits especially hard.
>> You know, I'm really heart especially hard.
>> You know, I'm really heart sore for those people.
>> You know, I'm really heart sore for those people.
You walk past some of these sore for those people.
You walk past some of these homes, only half of them are You walk past some of these homes, only half of them are standing because they've been homes, only half of them are standing because they've been destroyed by the floods.
standing because they've been destroyed by the floods.
They've lost so much, so, so destroyed by the floods.
They've lost so much, so, so much.
They've lost so much, so, so much.
And I think that's the really much.
And I think that's the really hard part for me to take.
And I think that's the really hard part for me to take. )
hard part for me to take. )
As I knew it was coming, and to ) As I knew it was coming, and to go and see it day after day is As I knew it was coming, and to go and see it day after day is really distressing.
To order this show or any To order this show or any program for program for $19.95 plus shipping and $19.95 plus shipping and handling, call WGBH Boston handling, call WGBH Boston Video at 1-800-255-9424.
- Science and Nature
Capturing the splendor of the natural world, from the African plains to the Antarctic ice.
Support for PBS provided by:
National Corporate funding for NOVA is provided by Carlisle Companies and Viking Cruises. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the NOVA Science Trust, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.