Hurricane Katrina has killed thousands of people on the US Gulf coast, New Orleans was spared the “direct hit” many feared, it still resembles a wetland war zone in places. 

In the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, Americans are opening their hearts and wallets to help the affected communities in the Gulf Coast.

The federal government is advising that the best way to provide immediate assistance is to donate money directly to established national relief organizations with the experience and means to deliver aid.

       Helping Victims of Hurricane Katrina  (Your Guide to Giving Wisely)

                                         What is a hurricane?

Hurricanes are one of the most dangerous natural hazards to people and the environment. A hurricane is a large rotating storm centred around an area of very low pressure with strong winds blowing at an average speed in excess of 74 miles per hour. The whole storm system may be up to 10 miles high and on average 500 miles wide. It moves forward like an immense spinning top, at speeds up to 20mph. ... View more at the following links.

 

US National Hurricane Center    Alabama Homeland Security    Louisiana Homeland Security    Mississippi Homeland Security      American Red Cross    The Guardian    US Federal Emergency Management Agency    Hurricane In Pictures    New Orleans On-line    The Real Truth Special Analysis