Cleanup after Katrina: an analysis on policy, process, priorities, problems, and politics

Abstract

Purpose

Following a natural disaster the cleanup process usually takes place before reconstruction or rebuild can actually be implemented. Effectiveness of cleanup process determines the possible level of speed for implementing rebuild and reconstruction process. This paper aims to focus on providing guidelines to help plan for future natural disaster management.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyses a cleanup process after Hurricane Katrina in terms of governing policy, implementing process, problems associated with process, priorities for cleanup, and politics.

Findings

The study finds policies governing the cleanup process, problems associated with the cleanup process, priorities areas in the cleanup work and politics of the disasters.

Research limitations/implications

The research focuses only on three states where Hurricane Katrina hit, namely Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

Practical implications

This paper explains policies governing the cleanup, the process, the prioritized work areas, associated problems, and politics of disasters. The analyses of the study provide lessons which can be learned. They also provide grounds on which guidelines for effectively managing the cleanup process for future similar events can be generated and set.

Originality/value

This paper provides guidelines on the process and politics of cleanup, which can be applied to future comprehensive plans for cleanup process.

Citation

Lin Moe, T. (2010), "Cleanup after Katrina: an analysis on policy, process, priorities, problems, and politics", Disaster Prevention and Management, Vol. 19 No. 3, pp. 314-332. https://doi.org/10.1108/09653561011052493