Ep 11. Engineering Disasters: New Orleans
- February 28, 2006
In season 13, episode 11 of Modern Marvels, viewers are taken on a journey to explore the catastrophic engineering failures that occurred in New Orleans. The episode sheds light on the tragic events that unfolded during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and their devastating impact on the city.
Experts detail the various engineering projects and initiatives that were put in place to protect New Orleans from flooding, including the construction of levees and flood walls. As the episode progresses, viewers learn about the critical errors that were made during the planning and execution of these projects, which ultimately resulted in their failure during the hurricane.
Through interviews with engineers, architects, and city officials, the episode uncovers the complex political and economic factors that contributed to the engineering disasters in New Orleans. The episode also delves into the history of the city's infrastructure and the long-standing neglect of maintenance and repairs, which ultimately exacerbated the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina.
Modern Marvels: Engineering Disasters - New Orleans provides a comprehensive overview of the failures of engineering projects in one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in recent history. The episode brings to light the importance of science and technology in protecting communities from natural disasters and explores the necessary precautions and considerations needed to prevent future disasters from happening.
