How the Dutch are helping New Orleans stay dry
Residents of New Orleans rescued by police boats walk from floodwaters in front of the Superdome in New Orleans September 1, 2005. New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin issues an urgent plea for relief, saying the flooded city lacks food for thousands of Hurricane Katrina’s refugees as well as buses to evacuate them.
Eight years ago Thursday, "the storm" hit New Orleans. That's what people there still call it.
The city hasn't had a storm as destructive as Hurricane Katrina since 2005.
And numerous other disasters around the US have simply added to the distance of the memory of Katrina.
But, for the people of New Orleans and southern Louisiana, the basic challenge hasn't changed: How do you co-exist with water when you're surrounded by it.
Aside from New Orleanians themselves, one other group has taken a special interest: the Dutch.
The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!