>> 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.
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