Case Studies

Hurricane Katrina hit the U.S. Gulf Coast in August 2005 and became one of the most destructive natural disasters in American history. The storm caused major flooding in New Orleans after levees failed, leaving much of the city underwater. Power, roads, hospitals, and communication systems were badly damaged. More than 1,800 people died, and recovery took many years. The disaster showed how important strong infrastructure and emergency planning are when large systems fail.

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on October 28, 2025, as a powerful Category 5 hurricane with winds near 185 mph, the strongest storm ever recorded to hit the island. The storm caused widespread flooding, landslides, and severe damage to homes, farms, schools, and hospitals. Thousands of buildings were damaged and many communities lost power, water, and communication services. Recovery efforts now focus on rebuilding infrastructure and restoring essential services across the island.