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Researching on the lower ninth ward gave me an opportunity to learn more about Hurricane Katrina and how money played a huge difference between the rich and the less privileged. Before hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, only few Americans knew about the lower ninth ward, until hurricane exploded this place. On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall on the gulf coast of the United States, east of New Orleans with the “storm’s eye” passing within 10 to 15 miles of the city. The effect on New Orleans, as well as on the entire coastal region, was devastating major levees breaches broke out waters “gushed and tossed” homes and cars are playthings. People with money bought houses on the upper side of the lower ninth ward while the less-privileged had to stay back in the low lying areas and flood zone prone areas. The lower ninth ward residents claim their neighborhood to be a “friendly community” were people help one and another (Journal of American History). Lower ninth ward had people from all communities and they get-together for their cultural events and festivals. Extensive flooding at the lower ninth ward drew “national attention.” Because the city is intertwined with water surrounding it, the lower ninth ward faced horrible devastations; also the area was flooded with 20feet of water. On one hand some residents couldn’t evacuate because they weren’t “well off” neither did they own vehicles to move out, so they had to stay there and be a part of that disaster while on the other hand few lower ninth ward residents say, “Everyone seems to think the poor, lower income people that don’t do anything [live here],” one resident claimed. “But they’re hard-working people down here” (Journal of American History). Also the storm had a notable effect on the city’s economy, its labor market dynamics, and its individual businesses. This disaster also affected “low-income disaster survivors” and they need long term health and mental services (American Journal of Orthopsychiatry). Hurricane Katrina was one of the most “economically costly” hurricanes ever to strike the United States  and about 80 percent of the city which was below the sea level was flooded, experts said $62.3 billion was needed for emergency response and recovery needs (Monthly Labor Review). Lower ninth ward of New Orleans “was ground zero” in the after math of hurricane Katrina reports say only two third of residents are back at the lower ninth ward and it still continues to be a “ghost town” (Journal of American History). In spite of living comfortably, very few people like zeituon stayed back to take care of the property and because he stayed back he was able to help other residents who were less fortunate. In one of the videos on you tube; Zeitoun mentioned that he was happy for what he did, he also said that he will “continue to do” the same if any disaster takes place again. He says that, God’s given him the ability to help others and he will continue to do that, no matter what. Some residents including Zeitoun say that they love their community and they will continue to live there. Some residents said, Life is “unquestionably difficult” there, but there are also moments of profound joy. "You have to live here to have it in your heart. And to know this is your home," said Stuart. From my perspective I think people who live in the lower ninth ward love their community and will do anything for it and finally I would like to conclude as one of the “proud” lower ninth ward resident said, we also face the risk of another hurricane, but there is a “spirit” in the Lower Ninth Ward that Hurricane Katrina could not destroy (Journal of American History) I really appreciate the fact that they love their community but they should also realize the importance of their lives and can also think about how they can raise their standard of living and how they can make money, so that it could help them in the time of their crisis.

BIBLIOGRAPHIES

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN HISTORY

MONTHLY LABOUR REVIEW

American Journal of Orthopsychiatry