In the twenty years since Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, powerful hurricanes such as Sandy, Irma, Maria and Helene have caused immense property destruction and led to thousands of deaths. If Katrina taught us anything, it was to be prepared for the unimaginable. But have we learned that lesson? 

In this episode, part of a series tied to the 20th anniversary of Katrina, we report from the National Hurricane Conference in New Orleans about what we’ve learned in the years since. Emergency management teams from the Virgin Islands reflect on the two Category 5 hurricanes that hit within just two weeks of each other in 2017, scientists describe how climate change is reshaping hurricanes and our new tools for forecasting them. Meanwhile dark clouds are gathering. As we head into hurricane season, the administration proposes to slash funding for agencies that are tasked with helping us prepare and recover from natural disasters, such as NOAA and the National Weather Service.

Guests:

Yvette Henry – Community Affairs Coordinator at the Department of Human Services in the US Virgin Islands

Abigail Hendricks – Emergency Support Function #6 coordinator on the island of St John, Virgin Islands

Meaghan Enright – executive director of the nonprofit, Love City Strong that works on disaster preparedness, response, and recovery on the island of St John, Virgin Islands

Rebeca Mueller – Director of media coordination, National Hurricane Conference

Michael Brennan – Director, National Hurricane Center, Miami, Florida

Julie Roberts – Former director of communications and Deputy Chief of Staff for NOAA during the first Trump administration.

Featuring music by Dewey Dellay and Jun Miyake

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