Responding Logistically to Future Natural and Man-Made Disasters and Catastrophes
Abstract
On 28 August 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana and Mississippi and was among the most devastating, destructive and largest natural catastrophes in United States history. Hurricane Katrina impacted 93,000 square miles and killed 1,300 people. More than two years later, the U.S. has still not fully recovered. The federal government and FEMA received widespread criticism for the slow and ineffective response to Hurricane Katrina. Inadequate logistical planning and ineffective execution of support activities played a large part in the poor response efforts. Federal resource managers had great difficulty in determining logistics requirements. Even when Federal resource managers had a clear understanding of what was needed, they often could not determine accurately whether the Federal government had the requisite supplies and equipment nor could track the provision of those supplies to those in need. This paper focuses primarily on the key logistics aspects of our government's ability to respond to natural disasters or catastrophes. It examines the responsible organizations, processes and governing documents; highlights current initiatives for improving logistical response and sustainment activities; assesses our current state of logistics response readiness; and recommends several areas for continued improvement.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 15, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA478576
Entities
People
- Vivian L. Mcbride-davis
Organizations
- United States Army War College