On Aug. 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on the Gulf Coast, prompting a Herculean effort from the Postal Service to keep the mail moving.
Described as possibly the worst natural disaster to hit the United States, the images of Katrina’s devastation shocked the world.
Four levees in New Orleans were breached after the storm, culminating in floodwaters of 15 to 20 feet covering 80 percent of the city. The storm killed more than 1,800 people, displaced approximately 1.2 million residents from the Gulf Coast, and separated 5,000 children from their families. Damage estimates exceeded $100 billion.
It also created unprecedented delivery challenges for the Postal Service.
Power outages, closed roads, widespread flooding, damaged infrastructure and other obstacles made it difficult to reach customers — and many employees — in the areas hit hardest by the storm.
However, Katrina had far-reaching effects beyond the Gulf Coast as evacuees were scattered across the country, living temporarily with relatives and friends or in hotels.
Many of the 6,000 Postal Service employees in the area suffered personal losses but still rose to the occasion, restoring limited mail service within days of the tragedy.
Other displaced employees reported for work near their temporary addresses to help deliver payroll and Social Security checks, medicine and other vital mail. In communities where street delivery wasn’t possible, employees handed out mail from trailers, recreational vehicles and tents.
While there was widespread criticism of the federal government’s response, the Postal Service was singled out for its effective emergency preparedness and response to the storm.
The Postal Service had the mail up and running before basic services like electricity and water were restored. Displaced postal customers were able to receive mail at their new locations after filing a change-of-address form either online or at their local Post Office.
The 20th anniversary is a reminder for residents of hurricane-prone areas to prepare for storms.
The National Hurricane Center, Federal Emergency Management Agency and Ready America have more information about preparing for a hurricane.
