New Orleans has been observing a moment of silence from Katrina for 20 years
New Orleans has observed moments of silence for 20 years since Hurricane Katrina. The speaker sought climate action and memory.
Thousands are expected to gather in New Orleans for a series of memorials and festivals as it marks 20th year since Hurricane Katrina’s fatal landing.
The Category 3 storm struck southeast Louisiana on August 29, 2005, struck the vast strip of New Orleans with ravaging floods, causing roughly $200 billion in damages in line with inflation. The storm has killed more than 1,300 people, making it one of the deadliest hurricanes in American history. To exacerbate the death toll was a failure of federally controlled levees.
Twenty years after the deadly storm, New Orleans is holding a series of events and rituals to remember and advocate for the victims, and to recall and advocate for urban infrastructure and climate change preparations.
The event on the day will begin in Lower 9th district, where levees broke down and flooding allowed flooding primarily black communities. First there is healing rituals and readings of the names of those who lost their lives in the storm. A memorial for dozens of unidentified victims will feature a ceremony decorated with wreaths and a moment of silence from 11:20am local time.
The march, featuring a brass band and thousands of residents and community leaders, directs several blocks at Hunter’s Field Park. There, speakers will make statements reflecting the devastating storm, defending improvements and calling for August 29 to be a state and local holiday.
Events such as the fundraising gala, commemorative announcements and several performances are sponsored by Katrina Commemoration Inc. and Hip Hop Caucus. You can see the events of the day here.
