20 years after Katrina, NatGeo and New Orleans remember

Next month will mark two decades since Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast, an event that stands as one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in American history. The Category 3 hurricane made landfall on August 29, 2005, unleashing a devastating storm surge that breached New Orleans' levees, leading to widespread flooding and the tragic loss of 1,392 lives. In remembrance of this monumental event, National Geographic is launching a new documentary series titled "Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time." Directed by Oscar nominee Traci A. Curry and co-produced by Ryan Coogler's Proximity Media alongside Lightbox, this five-part series aims to delve deeper into the historical context of the disaster. The intent is to explore the systemic failures that contributed to the devastation while showcasing powerful narratives of heroism, survival, and resilience. Proximity's executive producers emphasized the series' importance, describing it as a vital historical record that invites viewers to witness, remember, and engage with the complex legacy of Hurricane Katrina. Unlike other retellings, "Race Against Time" prioritizes the voices of those who experienced the disaster firsthand, including residents, first responders, and officials. Among the featured voices is Ivor Van Heerden, a geologist and marine scientist who authored "The Storm: What Went Wrong and Why During Hurricane Katrina: The Inside Story from One Louisiana Scientist." Van Heerden, who was instrumental in establishing Louisiana State University's Hurricane Center in 1998, played a crucial role in pioneering computer modeling for storm surges. Utilizing advanced technology, including a supercomputer and LiDAR data for precise elevation models, he worked to connect data across various parishes through a geographical information system (GIS). During the lead-up to the hurricane, Van Heerden conducted inspections of New Orleans' levees, uncovering alarming conditions such as significant bowing and cracking. His insights and experiences are sure to lend a critical perspective to the documentary, highlighting the forewarnings that preceded the disaster.