Hurricane Katrina: Bush goes back to New Orleans

George W Bush has returned to New Orleans – the scene, ten years ago, of one of the lowest points of his presidency. When Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, his administration stood accused of not caring about the fate of tens of thousands of US citizens affected. The outdated system of levees and flood walls failed, leaving 80% of the city underwater. A million people fled the New Orleans area before Katrina hit, but tens of thousands of others lacked the means or ability to get away. Two weeks later, Bush gave this address: “Throughout the area hit by the hurricane, we will do what it takes. We will stay as long as it takes.” 1,800 people died across four states. The repair bill topped 135 billion US dollars, 120 billion euros at today’s rate.