Lines of Authority in Disaster Response: A Look at the Governments Involved

Strategic Insights -

As the debate continues over the failures and successes of the government's response to Hurricane Katrina, the complexity of the disaster response efforts becomes clear. Three levels of government - local, state, and federal - played critical roles in planning for and responding to the disaster. The lines of authority between these levels of government are crucial in understanding the effectiveness of the response.

Key Takeaways:

  • Local government was primarily responsible for planning and prior arrangements for evacuation, shelter, and first response, with the city of New Orleans relying on the Superdome and convention center as temporary shelters.
  • The city's police force was severely depleted, with a third of its members failing to show up for work, and looting was rampant despite a mandatory evacuation order.
  • State government stepped in with logistical help and manpower, with Governor Kathleen Blanco declaring a state of emergency and requesting federal aid, but there was a delay in getting troops to restore order.
  • Federal government took the lead in coordinating the response, providing supplies, and helping with cleanup and aid, with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) playing a critical role.

Statistics:

  • 134,000 residents of New Orleans had no transportation, but the city did not provide for their needs.
  • 65% of the state's National Guard troops were available, with the rest depleted by deployments to Iraq and other reasons.
  • 3,780 National Guard troops were activated by the state, with others arriving from other states.
  • FEMA had run a mock disaster exercise a year ago in which the levees were breached by a fictitious "Hurricane Pam."
  • 50 medical assistance teams, 25 search-and-rescue task forces, and 1,700 trucks were deployed by the federal government.

Sources:

  • Jim Drinkard and Tom Vanden Brook, "Lines of Authority in Disaster Response Highlighted in Katrina Probe" (original source not identified)
  • "Philly.com: Breaking News and News Headlines from Philly.com"
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