The Continuing Storm: Learning from Katrina

Hurricane Katrina is one of the most telling disasters in our recent national experience, revealing important truths about our society and ourselves. The final volume in the award-winning Katrina Bookshelf series, The Continuing Storm, reflects on what we have learned about Katrina and America and assesses its ongoing impact on individual lives and across geographies. It is a sobering meditation on the duration of a catastrophe that continues to exact steep costs in human suffering.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 09 August 2022
Publisher: University of Texas Press

More than fifteen years after Hurricane Katrina struck the United States, its impact remains deeply ingrained in the American psyche. While the storm's sheer magnitude and devastating consequences make it one of the most catastrophic events in American history, its significance extends far beyond its immediate effects.

Katrina holds a unique place in the collective memory of the nation because it serves as a poignant reflection of our society and ourselves. It exposed profound truths about our vulnerabilities, resilience, and the complex interplay between social, economic, and environmental factors in shaping disaster outcomes.

The final installment in the acclaimed Katrina Bookshelf series, titled The Continuing Storm, delves into the ongoing consequences of Katrina and its profound impact on individuals and communities. Authors Kai Erikson and Lori Peek broaden our understanding of the disaster by examining its far-reaching effects on displaced New Orleanians who sought refuge in various parts of the country. They argue that a comprehensive view of such a catastrophe is essential for comprehending the enduring human costs of disaster across time and space.

The book concludes with a sobering examination of disasters in the years following Katrina, including the recent COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the enduring nature of catastrophe and the ongoing challenges that communities face in recovering, rebuilding, and adapting to the aftermath of such events.

Hurricane Katrina serves as a reminder of the profound impact that natural disasters can have on human lives and the urgent need for preparedness, response, and resilience. It compels us to reflect on our societal structures, environmental policies, and individual responsibilities in mitigating the risks and minimizing the suffering associated with catastrophic events.

In conclusion, Hurricane Katrina continues to hold a powerful grip on the American imagination, serving as a poignant reminder of our shared history, vulnerabilities, and the enduring power of resilience in the face of adversity. Through the lens of The Continuing Storm, we gain a deeper understanding of the human costs of disaster and the importance of building a more resilient and sustainable future.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781477324332