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Published on: February 5, 2018
Drug markets during the Katrina disaster
1National Development & Research Institutes, Burlington, Vermont, USA.
Disaster Prevention and Management
|August 16, 2011
Summary
Poor drug users in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina prioritized substance use over safety, complicating disaster response. Addressing their unique needs is crucial for effective emergency management and community well-being.
Area of Science:
- Disaster Management
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Hurricane Katrina in 2005 devastated New Orleans.
- Vulnerable populations, including poor drug users and sellers, faced unique challenges during the disaster.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the experiences of poor drug users and sellers during Hurricane Katrina.
- To identify their special needs and the challenges they pose to disaster management.
Main Methods:
- Semi-structured, open-ended interviews were conducted with 119 participants.
- Qualitative data captured drug-related experiences before, during, and after the storm.
Main Results:
- Many participants prioritized drug use and sales over personal safety and evacuation.
- Drug-related behaviors included avoiding shelters, looting, and violence.
- Participants engaged in drug use within congregate shelters.
Conclusions:
- Poor drug users pose significant risks to themselves, their families, communities, and rescue workers during disasters.
- Pragmatic and humanitarian guidelines are needed to address these challenges.
- Recommendations align with strategies for supporting indigent populations in emergencies.
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