Today,  six years ago, Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast of the Unites States, devastating many lives in that region.  Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (NY-11) released the following statement in remembrance of Hurricane Katrina’s sixth anniversary:

“Six years ago, this nation watched in horror as Katrina relinquished its fury with fierce winds and heavy rains, which led to rising flood waters.  Many Americans remember the painful images of individuals stranded on the rooftops of their homes completely immersed in water.  Hurricane Katrina killed more than 1,800 people, destroyed 200,000 homes, and displaced almost one million people.  Unfortunately, the Gulf Coast region has yet to fully recover from the devastation that Hurricane Katrina left behind.

“In light of Hurricane Irene and the recent earthquake that hit the East Coast, it is clear that our nation learned valuable lessons from Hurricane Katrina.  We are better prepared but still have a long way to go with disaster preparedness.  As a Member of the House Homeland Security Committee, it is important that we continue to help the Gulf Coast region recover as well as ensure that we are prepared for any natural disasters that may pose a threat to our nation.”

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