Which hurricane caused catastrophic damage to Coastal Louisiana in 2005?

Hurricane Katrina, which struck in August 2005, is infamous for its catastrophic impact on Coastal Louisiana, particularly in New Orleans. The storm was notable for its intensity and the extensive flooding that resulted, primarily because of the failure of levees and flood protection systems.

Katrina made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane, but its effects were exacerbated by the storm surge and heavy rains, leading to widespread devastation. This hurricane led to significant loss of life, displacement of residents, and damage exceeding billions of dollars. The aftermath revealed serious shortcomings in disaster preparedness and response systems, profoundly influencing policies and infrastructure in Louisiana and beyond.

While Hurricane Rita also caused damage shortly after Katrina, it was not as devastating to Coastal Louisiana. Hurricane Ivan occurred in 2004, and Hurricane Harvey, which affected Texas in 2017, was not involved with impacts in Louisiana during 2005. Thus, Hurricane Katrina stands as the pivotal hurricane responsible for the overwhelming destruction during that year in the region.