Floodlines Podcast Revisits Hurricane Katrina Impact New Orleans Five Years Later

As the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches, The Atlantic revisits the ongoing struggles faced by New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, highlighting the persistent racial inequality, displacement, and incomplete recovery from the 2005 flood. The podcast Floodlines recounts the failures in flood control and governmental response, emphasizing how Black and poor residents were disproportionately affected and displaced, with many unable to return due to economic barriers. The city’s population, particularly Black residents, continues to decline, and concerns remain about the readiness of the flood-control system amidst climate change threats. Additionally, federal support through FEMA is uncertain under the Trump administration, which has reduced resources and threatened to phase out the agency. The special episode reconnects with survivors like Le-Ann Williams and her family, illustrating the long-lasting trauma and challenges they endure. This reflection underscores the enduring legacy of Katrina's impact on social and environmental resilience in the region.