This paper examines the effect of Hurricane Katrina on Louisiana's state economy. In particular, I use a state coincident index to assess the economic loss from Hurricane Katrina. This alternative approach provides policymakers with a simple and timely measure of the economy for modeling disasters.

The damage generated by Hurricane Katrina caused significant private as well as social costs. The water and force from the hurricane and subsequent flooding caused immediate property damage, but also potential environmental contamination over time. The decision on the part of property owners...

The damage inflicted by Hurricane Katrina resulted in amassive displacement of residents, in particular from NewOrleans, Louisiana. Initially, many of these evacuees movedto Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the closest major town that escapedsignificant hurricane damage. Using comments postedon the...

Immediately following Hurricane Katrina, the Mississippi Governor's Commission for Recovery, Rebuilding and Renewal provided planning teams to work with coastal communities to prepare long-range rebuilding plans followed by further community-initiated plans. Eighteen months after Katrina, this...

Hurricane Katrina displaced approximately 650,000 people and destroyed or severely damaged 217,000 homes along the Gulf Coast. Damage was especially severe in New Orleans, and the return of displaced residents to this city has been slow. The fraction of households receiving mail (which, in the...