What natural disaster has greatly affected the Louisiana coast in recent years?

Hurricane Katrina is recognized as one of the most devastating natural disasters to hit the Louisiana coast in recent history, particularly impacting New Orleans and the surrounding areas in August 2005. The hurricane caused catastrophic flooding, significant loss of life, and widespread destruction of property and infrastructure, leading to long-term effects on the region's economy, environment, and demographics. The disaster highlighted vulnerabilities in the region's levee systems and prompted major federal and state responses to address disaster preparedness and recovery efforts.

While other hurricanes listed, such as Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Rita, and Hurricane Harvey, were severe storms that caused considerable damage in their respective areas, they did not have the same level of direct and lasting impact on Louisiana’s coastal communities as Hurricane Katrina did. Each of these hurricanes affected different regions and had their unique consequences, but Katrina stands out in terms of its sheer scale and the ongoing discussions about coastal resilience and recovery in Louisiana.