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Highlights of United States Government Response to the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina

Release Date: 09/04/05 00:00:00

A Customs and Border Patrol Blackhawk helicopter crew loads relief supplies to assist people in need during the relief mission along the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina. Photo/CBP

A Customs and Border Patrol Blackhawk helicopter crew loads relief supplies to assist people in need during the relief mission along the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina. Photo/CBP

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 4, 2005
Contact: 202-282-8010

The federal effort to save lives, sustain life, and support recovery and law enforcement operations in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina continues around the clock. The following facts highlight some of the important activities as of 4 p.m.:  

Lives Saved 17,000

Citizens Evacuated 35,000

Shelters 499

People housed in shelters 135,000

National Guard personnel 35,000

U.S. Coast Guard personnel 4,000

FEMA responders 5,000

MREs provided (meals) 4.8 million

Water provided (liters) 11 million

  • Plans to air evacuate 10,000 persons per day began Saturday with the largest emergency domestic airlift of people in U.S. history. Operations from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport began Saturday.
  • This is the largest and most comprehensive National Guard response to a natural disaster. The previous largest response was in 1989 during the California Lomo Prieta earthquake, when 32,000 California Guardsmen were called up.
  • The Environmental Protection Agency issued an advisory today urging the public to use caution when entering hurricane damaged homes and buildings. Individuals who are returning to their homes or businesses should remain alert for leaking containers and reactive household chemicals, as well as taking caution when handling building materials. For more information visit www.epa.gov.      

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This page was last reviewed/modified on 09/04/05 00:00:00.