Army Accepts Blame for Katrina Disaster

The US Army Corps of Engineers has accepted responsibility for the levees breaking in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The breaking of the levees last year resulted in the deaths of more than 1,300 people. The news comes as the hurricane season is due to begin once more.

Ever since the disaster, blame has been thrown around all over the place. The main focus of the attacks seemed to be President Bush who had been warned of the impending disaster and yet seemed totally unprepared for the humanitarian disaster that unfolded before the world. Of course, Bush must take a large portion of the blame. After all, this happened on his watch. It is, ultimatly, his responsibility to ensure the safety of all citizens of America.

It has now transpired that the Army Corps did not build the levees strong enough to withstand the storm. Essentially, there were many design faults and engineering problems that led to them being breached, causing 80% of the city to be flooded. Furthermore, the condition of the soil that was being built upon was not taken into account. The report claimed that engineers failed to account for subsidence which led to some sections to be as much as 60cm lower than others. It is believed that large areas of the city are sinking faster than was previously thought.

More than 40,000 residents are living in state provided shelter and the city's population is half of that before Katrina hit. Plans are already drawn up in the event of another disaster hitting the city this year. However, the amount of places in state shelters has fallen from 150,000 to 60,000 according to officials. Clearly, if another hurricane was to hit New Orleans this season, the city would not be able to cope once more and there is no telling what the consequences might be.

This report comes hot on the heals of the latest criticisms of the army in Iraq and the all-time low standing of Bush amongst the electorate. In the case of New Orleans, it is very easy to blame past administrations. However, Bush was told of the problems that were likely to be faced and there were no effective plans put into place (as the aftermath prove). If a similar event happens again this year, how long will it be before people realise the folly of electing Bush as their representative in the world?