What Have We Learned From Katrina 11 Years Later?

On this 11th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, many in south Louisiana recall similar storm recovery images of what can be seen on the roads today in the aftermath of The Great Flood of 2016. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser was the Plaquemines Parish President in 2005. He says we've learned from Katrina that rushing cleanup is not a good idea.

"The first thing that comes to mind in that regard, is that these people who are gutting their homes and want to get back in them quickly," said Nungesser. "They know to make sure the mold remediation is done and dried out well before we put those walls back up."

Overall, at least 1,245 people died in Hurricane Katrina and subsequent floods, making it the deadliest US hurricane since the 1928. 13 fatalities have been confirmed following the recent flooding, and Nungesser says it's incredible that number isn't higher.

"When you think about how quick this water came up, in areas that had never flooded," said Nungesser. "Had it not been for neighbor helping neighbor and all the great people that responded, that all went remarkably well."

Nungesser feels that FEMA is doing a great job this time around of getting to people quickly and providing information needed on what steps to take to make the rebuilding process go as smooth as possible.

He says another thing that people can learn from Katrina just by looking at the affected parishes, is how possible it is to come back stronger than ever.

"Both in flood protection...businesses are growing," said Nungesser, "We will come back from this disaster, much like we did bigger and better than we were after Katrina."