Running Head: CAUSE AND EFFECTS OF HURRICANE KATRINA
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Cause and Effects of Hurricane Katrina
Student’s Name
[Institution Affiliation]
Date
CAUSE AND EFFECTS OF HURRICANE KATRINA
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Hurricane Katrina, one of the most deadly hurricanes in history, hit the U.S on August
29th, 2005. The paper will describe Hurricane Katrina itself, its strength built on the “Saffir-
Simpson Hurricane Scale,” the magnitude of damage caused, and the losses suffered to the
various cities involved. The “Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale” will be described in detail to
understand the Hurricane Katrina intensity. The Saffir-Simpson scale is calibrated on a range of
1-5 based on the hurricane intensity at the current time. Significantly, the scale helps people who
might be involved in a hurricane a better understanding of the probable damage that may be
expected hence enabling them to be prepared for the outcome
(Getis, Getis, & Fellmann, 2017, p.
56). Accordingly, hurricanes in category 1 of the Saffir-Simpson scale are characterized by wind
velocity ranging from 75-97 mph with damages caused by being negligible. Some of the
damages that may be caused by this type of hurricanes will be to unfastened mobile houses,
signposts, vegetation, and some light flooding. Hurricanes in Category 2 will have wind
velocities ranging from 98-112 mph with reasonable damages. Category 2 hurricanes will cause
substantial damage to mobile houses and trees accompanied by flooding of infrastructures near
the coastal region.
