The Devastation of Hurricane Katrina: A City Underwater - HISTORY

Aerial video of New Orleans, taken from a news helicopter shortly after storm, shows the vast devastation Katrina caused.

FACT CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate.

RELATED CONTENT

New Orleans poet Shelton “Shakespear” Alexander performs an original poem about his experience taking shelter at the Superdome during Hurricane Katrina.

U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer Laurence Nettles describes helicopter rescues and details how the Coast Guard prepared for Hurricane Katrina.

When Hurricane Katrina forced New Orleans poet Shelton Alexander to evacuate his home, he took his truck and video camera to the Superdome. He escaped the chaotic shelter a few days later with a truckload of people and video documentation of history.

When Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer Laurence “Noodles” Nettles’ training was put to the test as he and fellow Guard members were forced to adapt their ocean rescue tactics to save thousands of stranded victims from rooftops and rising floodwaters.

Robert Green lost his mother and granddaughter when his Ninth Ward home was lifted off its foundation and floated down the street in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. After rebuilding several years later, Green has made it his life’s mission to bring the Ninth Ward residents back and rebuild their historic community.

Five days after Hurricane Katrina trapped nearly 300 residents in their apartment building, known as The American Can, former recon Marine John Keller fought off looters, swam through floodwaters, and hot-wired boats to help guide them to safety.

CLOSE

CLOSE

CLOSE

CLOSE