20 Years After Katrina, Louisiana Still Struggles with Evacuation Plans That Minimize Health Risks

Two decades after Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana continues to face challenges in safely evacuating residents during rapidly intensifying storms. Aging infrastructure, limited highway capacity, and underfunded transportation systems complicate evacuation, particularly for older adults, those with chronic conditions, and residents of medical facilities.

 

While strategies like contraflow and emergency shoulder use can improve traffic flow, cost and logistical barriers have limited implementation. Public health experts stress that timely planning, early evacuation, and attention to vulnerable populations’ medical and mobility needs remain critical. Ensuring safe, efficient evacuation is increasingly urgent as climate change drives stronger, faster storms. Read more from KFF Health News here.