Six Years After Katrina: Hurricane Lessons Shared With Irene's Victims

Sixth Anniversary of Katrina Brings to Mind Slow Response

As the East Coast copes with the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, many southerners somberly remember Hurricane Katrina. It's hard to believe, but six years ago on Aug. 29, the relentless power of Katrina washed up from the Gulf of Mexico wiping out entire communities and cities.

Today marks the sixth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the most costly disaster in United States history, costing more than $81 billion in damages. There are few residents that do not remember that Katrina devastated multiple states with 135 mph winds and an unyielding 30-foot storm surge killing at least 1,836 people.

The actual hurricane and in the subsequent floods, made Katrina the deadliest U.S. hurricane since the 1928 Okeechobee hurricane. Estimated damages from Irene are already at $8 to $15 billion in six states.

There are many reasons why Katrina still brings a mixed bag of emotions to the Gulf Coast region. Some remember the day as a time to begin building bigger and better, while others believe the areas hit by Katrina will never fully recover. Whatever the memory, most will agree that the lessons learned after Katrina can be shared with those recovering from Irene today.

Today, the recovery and rebuilding process continues, but constant reminders remain scattered throughout the region in the form of cement slabs, vacant buildings, and empty neighborhoods.

Katrina memorials stand tall along the Gulf Coast marking the tragedy felt by so many. It is with God's strength, good neighbors, and the memorials that locals find their way through life these days. Christian recovery groups continue to flock to the Gulf Coast region to help families rebuild their homes. To read more, click here.