Which natural disaster received intense public and political criticism for the federal response?

Hurricane Katrina is known for the intense public and political criticism directed at the federal response to the disaster. When Katrina struck in late August 2005, it caused catastrophic damage, particularly in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast. The aftermath highlighted significant failures in emergency preparedness and response at multiple levels of government.

Many criticized the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for its slow initial response, inadequate resources, and poor coordination in assisting the affected regions. Observations of people stranded in dire conditions, particularly in the Superdome and Convention Center, captured media attention and public outrage. This situation led to widespread discussions about the need for reform in disaster management policies, prompting legislative changes to improve emergency preparedness for future disasters. The broader implications of these failures have made Hurricane Katrina a pivotal event in the discourse on government accountability during natural disasters, differentiating it from other hurricanes that, while also significant, did not evoke the same level of criticism for federal response.