Wind, rain, flooding, and fear: coordinating military public health in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Abstract

On 29 August 2005, a category 4 hurricane struck the Gulf Coast of Mississippi and southeast Louisiana, resulting in widespread destruction caused by winds in excess of 190 km/h (120 miles/h), heavy rain, and flooding. Communication, electricity, and fresh water supplies were disrupted throughout the region, rendering much of the area uninhabitable. Despite tremendous obstacles, the US military spearheaded the eventually successful rescue, recovery, and relief operations. This article describes the challenges of protecting the health and safety of these personnel in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.