Abstract

back
   Back


The Geospatial Response in Gulfport, Mississippi, to Hurricane Katrina
Track: Disaster Mangagement and Emergency Response
Author(s): Tyrus Cohan

On August 29, 2005, Gulfport, Mississippi, was changed forever by the worst natural disaster in American history. This paper will discuss the role the Division of GIS at the city of Gulfport played in supporting relief and recovery efforts following Hurricane Katrina. Data was created to reflect the damage that occurred during the storm including assessments of permanent structures, estimated number of displaced people, traffic checkpoints to heavily damaged areas and site location for temporary housing. The division was relied on heavily to assist in locating water and sewer lines, neighborhoods and service-oriented businesses to assist relief workers who were unfamiliar to the area. The division was also used to track the pace of rebuilding as well as the effects of new FEMA guidelines. In addition to supporting recovery efforts in Gulfport, the division assisted in cleanup and debris removal activities in Pass Christian and Long Beach.

Tyrus Cohan
City of Gulfport
Division of GIS
1422 23rd Avenue
Gulfport , MS 39501
US
Phone: 228 868 2179
Fax: 228 868 5700
E-mail: tcohan@ci.gulfport.ms.us