(August 29, 2008)--As New Orleans residents keep an eye on the movement of Hurricane Gustav, there's a new report on the deaths from Hurricane Katrina which hit three years ago Friday.
Researchers say of the nearly 1,000 who died, almost half were 75 or older.
The report cites several possible reasons why so many elderly people were victims.
They may have thought the warnings were a false alarm, or feared that abandoning their homes would lead to looting, or simply didn't want to leave their familiar surroundings, and, of course, they were more likely to be frail or ill to begin with.
The report found that more than half of those who died were black, 42 percent were white, and only two percent were younger than 18.
Most fatalities occurred on the day the storm hit.
Drowning was the leading cause of death, and more than one-third died in their homes.
A co-author of the report says plans are under way to help New Orleans' residents, including the elderly, prepare for Gustav, which some projections say could hit Louisiana with hurricane strength in coming days.
Expanded Forecast Center Storm Resources
Situation Reports From Governor’s Office Of Emergency Managment
Take Advantage Of Our Hurricane Tracker. Download News Central Desktop Alert
National Hurricane Center Web Site
National Weather Service Web Site
Save
Email
Print
1 comments
Terms of Use -
Privacy Policy -
EEO Statement
-
FCC Form 388