Epilogue

Katrina was formed on August 23, 2005, and it hit New Orleans in the early morning of August 29, 2005.

The rainfall of Katrina went beyond rates of one inch an hour.

Because of rainfall, storm surge, and winds in excess of 140 mph, 53 levees breached, flooding 80% of the city and nearby areas. The water rose up to 20 ft.

The Superdome that sheltered many people had significant damages.

Main roads were all damaged.

According to the Louisiana evacuation plan, it was up to the people to leave. Many people did not have cars, or they had survived previous storms and decided to ride it out, not knowing the disaster it would cause.

An estimated three million people were left without electricity from the hurricane.

The most lives were lost in Louisiana at a number of 1,577.

The total number of casualties, including other states affected by Katrina, is 1,836, making Katrina the deadliest hurricane since the Okeechobee Hurricane in 1928.

Katrina’s total costs are estimated at 81.2 billion dollars making it the costliest storm in United States history.

The economic impact exceeded 150 billion dollars.

95% less oil production in the Gulf of Mexico was caused by Katrina just after two days, leading to record high gas prices.

Hundreds of thousands of local residents were left unemployed by Katrina.

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Authors Note

The story of Hope Durberry and her family is a story of disaster and a fight for survival. Although Hope and her family are not real live characters, the suffering and famine that they went through is based on what might have happened to other families and what did happen to some. Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans as well as many places in Louisiana and Mississippi in late summer of 2005. Hundreds of people died in the storm and many continue to suffer today.

Much of what was hit by the storm is still polluted and dirty like when it happened, especially in New Orleans. When the levees broke after the horrible storm, water rushed into the city causing many people’s houses to flood or be severely damaged. People waited on their rooftops for days in search of help in addition to escaping the rising waters. Consequently, many died from drowning because they were not able to escape to higher grounds. Some were able to be taken to shelters where they might have died from hunger and dehydration.

Very few were able to start their lives over but those that did can certainly say that it was one of the most horrifying experiences of their lives. They will never forget what happened and the pain that one storm caused.

The events of Hurricane Katrina are very unfortunate, with tales that will bring you to tears and will leave you feeling grateful for what you have. This story cannot even begin to tell all of the adverse events that happened. Some can no longer share their stories.

As you read this story remember that this happened to so many people we cannot possibly name them all. They were sometimes just "Lost Among the Tears."

This book is dedicated in memorial to all who died in the tragic events of Hurricane Katrina.

Kathryn Byron

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank all the people that supported me in getting this book published. I would like to thank my dad for helping me with the publishing of the book and my mom for encouraging me to write. I would also like to thank my brother for being loving and supportive of me in everything I do.

Kathryn Byron

Preface
When Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans on August 29, 2005, our daughter Kathryn was deeply moved after seeing the devastation in the news. She began to think about what it might be like to suffer through such a tragic event. It became even more personal to her when her church took in some families and individuals who had been forced to evacuate from the area and whose homes had been destroyed. Through hearing their personal stories and through the accounts described by people on the television, Kathryn began to put her feelings on paper by typing on her computer for months. Kathryn feels that this story is more than just words on paper; she wrote this to depict a tale of devastation and struggle for survival.

Kathryn wants to share this story with as many people as possible, but she insists that she does not want to profit in any way from people’s hardship. Therefore, she plans to donate the proceeds to a Hurricane Katrina disaster relief fund. She hopes that people will be moved by her story to reach out and contribute in any way they can.

Bill & Dana Byron Kathryn's Parents

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