Hurricane Katrina two years on: Mississippi Gulf Coast--Casinos thrive while homeowners languish

“Hurricane Katrina: Social Consequences & Political Lessons,” a pamphlet from Mehring Books that brings together articles and statements posted on the WSWS in the immediate aftermath of the Katrina disaster, is also available for purchase online.

Hurricane Katrina reached the Mississippi Gulf Coast at midday on August, 28, 2005, with full-force impact hitting that night. A 28-foot storm surge flooded areas 6-12 miles inland, while hurricane-force winds ravaged the entire region. The coast was utterly devastated—concrete slabs were all that remained of many homes; shopping centers and small businesses were wiped out; and larger housing and casino buildings were extensively damaged. Numerous shipyards and the Port of Gulfport, Mississippi, stretching out into the Gulf of Mexico, also had severe damage.