Remembering Hurricane Katrina (Photos)

Many Americans living along the Gulf Coast do not need an anniversary to reflect upon Hurricane Katrina.  The natural disaster caused overwhelming hardship for thousands, irreparably damaging houses, businesses and entire cities.  Katrina left a legacy that they will never forget.

Yet for some, the ten years since the hurricane has blunted Katrina’s gravity.  While we may know that the hurricane was one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history, it is hard to put that into perspective.  Memories of the event are largely a blurred hodgepodge of political criticism, stories of survival, and the ever-ongoing recovery effort.

The images of Katrina reflect the power of photography.  A camera, whether manned by a government photographer or casual bystander, captures a moment in time.  At the National Archives, our goal is to preserve these moments.  We preserve photos so generations to come will be able to look back on events like Hurricane Katrina and understand its impact on American lives.

Ten years removed, the photos remind us of two things. First, is the unprecedented impact of the hurricane.  Images of overturned boats, demolished houses, and shattered windows remind us (for those that need reminding) of the magnitude of the storm.  Yet also, and perhaps more importantly, we are reminded of the way our nation came together in the aftermath of Katrina.  In these photos, the bravery of rescue workers, volunteers, fire fighters, and ordinary people shines through.  Faced with crisis, Americans united to help one another.

The photos below come from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  In the weeks following the hurricane, FEMA photographers documented the physical and social impact of the storm.  These photos, and others related to Hurricane Katrina, can be found on our online catalog.

 

 

 

 

New Orleans, LA, September 7, 2005- A member of the crew for a chinook helicopter wtches airtraffic from the back of the helicopter. The helicopter is carrying FEMA Urban Search and Rescue task forces back to the base of operations. Jocelyn Augustino/FEMA

 

New Orleans, LA, August 30, 2005– Jocelyn Augustino/FEMA

 

 

Biloxi, Miss., September 12, 2005 — A boat was displaced from the water by Hurricane Katrina. FEMA/Mark Wolfe

 

Gulfport, Miss., September 15, 2005 — A FEMA representative helps a resident tele-register at the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Gulfport, Miss. DRCs are established to help guide residents through the FEMA recovery process. FEMA/Mark Wolfe

 

Biloxi, Miss., September 12, 2005 — A boat was displaced from the water by Hurricane Katrina. FEMA/Mark Wolfe

 

New Orleans, LA 9-30-05 Debres and other materials covers whole neighborhoods complicating Debres sorting and collection. FEMA covers a portion Debres removal under the public assistance program. Streets and roads must be cleared before residents can be allowed back in. MARVIN NAUMAN/FEMA photo

 

New Orleans, LA 9-30-05 Houses were instantly destroyed when the levee broke and completely floated the homes and resting them on cars in some case. Many people are homeless and rely on FEMA to help them though the ordeal. MARVIN NAUMAN/FEMA photo

 

Houston,TX.,9/3/2005–Many seniors from New Orleans were evacuated to the Houston Astrodome following Hurricane Katrina. FEMA photo/Andrea Booher

 

 

 

New Orleans, LA, October 9, 2005 – This little dozer leads the way for the recovery effort in progress in New Orleans. Hurricane Katrina and Rita have devastated New Orleans displacing its residents and business owners alike. Robert Kaufmann/FEMA

 

September 8, 2005 — Former President George H. W. Bush on a helicopter tour of the Mississippi and Louisiana gulf coast. President Bush is on a tour to see the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina and the ongoing recovery efforts. FEMA/Mark Wolfe

 

West Golf Course, New Orleans, LA 9-26-05 Urban Search & Rescue teams from “Fairfax County Virgina Task Force 1” search door to door for people and animals. People can be trapped or in need of rescuing. MARVIN NAUMAN/FEMA photo

 

New Orleans, LA.,10/12/2005–Damage to cars parked in downtown New Orleans due to Hurricane Katrina. FEMA photo/Andrea Booher

 

Port Arthur, TX, October 13, 2005- . Sung Yoo, owner of a dry goods store, and his wife Ja, sort out wet merchandise box by box so that the shoes can dry in the sun. Port Arthur was hit hard by Hurricane Rita. Photo by Ed Edahl/FEMA

 

Slidell, LA, October 14, 2005 – One of the workers for Boh Bros. Construction Co. watches traffic cross for the first time at the reopening of the I-10 “Twin-Span” Bridge. This Louisiana based company repaired the bridge damage caused by Hurricane Katrina in record time with no injuries 17 days ahead of schedule. Robert Kaufmann/FEMA

 

New Orleans, LA, August 30, 2005 — An Urban Search and Rescue Team, Missouri Task Force 1, searches through the flood waters of New Orleans for hurricane victims. New Orleans is being evacuated following the breaks in the levees as a result of hurricane Katrina. Jocelyn Augustino/FEMA

 

New Orleans, LA, August 30, 2005– Jocelyn Augustino/FEMA

 

New Orleans, LA, August 31, 2005 — Members of the FEMA Urban Search and Rescue task forces continue search operations into areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Photo by Jocelyn Augustino/FEMA

 

New Orleans, LA, August 31, 2005 — Local residents carry personal items over dry land to reach a second boat which will bring them to dry land. They were brought to this location via FEMA Urban Search and Rescue personnel and local rescue workers. Photo by Jocelyn Augustino/FEMA

 

Chalmette, LA., October 18, 2005 – An American flag flies in front of a damaged home in Chalmette, LA. The home was damaged by flooding during Hurricane Katrina. Patsy Lynch/FEMA

 

New Orleans, LA–September 19, 2005-FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Task Force members clean their rescue dogs after a day of searching in areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Jocelyn Augustino/FEMA

For more historical background on the levee system and flood control along the Gulf of Mexico check out our recent blog post, Taming the Mississippi.