Hurricane Katrina Relief Donations Help SPFPA Members
Hurricane Katrina was the costliest and one of the deadliest hurricanes in the history of the United States. It was the sixth-strongest Atlantic hurricane ever recorded and the third-strongest landfalling U.S. hurricane ever recorded. Katrina occurred late in August during the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season, and devastated much of the north-central Gulf Coast of the United States. Most notable in media coverage were catastrophic effects in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Katrina's sheer size devastated the Gulf Coast over 100 miles (160 km) away from its center.

Katrina was the eleventh named storm, fifth hurricane, third major hurricane, and second Category 5 hurricane of the 2005 Atlantic season. It formed over the Bahamas on August 23, 2005, and crossed southern Florida as a moderate Category 1 hurricane before strengthening rapidly in the Gulf of Mexico and becoming one of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded in the Gulf. The storm weakened considerably before making its second landfall as a Category 3 storm on the morning of August 29 in southeast Louisiana.





























The storm surge caused major or catastrophic damage along the coastlines of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, including the cities of Mobile (Alabama), Biloxi and Gulfport (Mississippi), and Slidell (Louisiana). Levees separating Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Borgne from New Orleans were breached by the surge, ultimately flooding roughly 80% of the city and many areas of neighboring parishes. Severe wind damage was reported well inland. Katrina is estimated to be responsible for $75 billion (2005 US dollars) in damages, making it the costliest hurricane in U.S. history. The storm killed at least 1,836 people, making it the deadliest U.S. hurricane since the 1928 Okeechobee Hurricane. Criticism of the federal, state, and local governments' reaction to the storm was widespread and resulted in an investigation by the United States Congress and the resignation of FEMA head Michael Brown.






















When Hurricane Karina devastated New Orleans, many SPFPA members were hit hard. Several SPFPA families lost everything when their homes were leveled to the ground. The SPFPA international immediately took action to help, and many SPFPA locals steeped up to offer assistance even before they were ever asked. The SPFPA is truly a family who cares for one another. We should all be very proud of the differences we were able to make in restoring the livlihood and spirits of our Brothers and Sisters.

The SPFPA International would like to thank every Local who contributed to the Katrina relief fund for victims in Local, 704, 709,710 and 711. Your assistance in helping our Brothers and Sisters in their time and need will never be forgotten.