In what year did Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastate New Orleans?

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita struck New Orleans in 2005, marking a pivotal and tragic moment in the city’s history. Hurricane Katrina made landfall on August 29, 2005, and caused widespread destruction primarily due to levee failures, leading to catastrophic flooding across the city. Following closely, Hurricane Rita hit the Gulf Coast on September 24, 2005, further complicating recovery efforts and impacting the region.

The events of 2005 are significant not only for the immediate damage they inflicted but also for their long-lasting implications on city infrastructure, population displacement, and federal disaster response policies. This year stands out in the collective memory of New Orleans and is often referenced in discussions about resilience, recovery, and future preparedness in the face of natural disasters.