About 2 weeks ago a major tropical storm was forming as usual over the Atlantic Ocean. Often these storms become Hurricanes and this one did too getting the name Katrina.

As always Katrina was monitored as it developed and moved forward. A little bit more than a week ago it became clear that Katrina might move towards New Orleans. At this time its strength already was of a category 4 Hurricane. Discussions started in the media whether it might hit New Orleans directly or hopefully change its course. All possible scenarios were outlined including a total destruction of New Orleans through flooding.

A few years earlier the scenario of a major Hurricane of category 4 or 5 hitting New Orleans was studied and it was strongly recommended to strengthen the existing levees and even create a safe haven in the center of the city where people could be moved in and survive. All these recommendations were declined as we know.

And Katrina came and did almost exactly was foreseen inflicting an enormous damage by flooding New Orleans due to levees no longer able to withstand the water. By now everybody realizes the magnitude of this natural disaster. But we still don