Intergovernmental Relations During a Crisis

Government response time and expenditure in response to unexpected disasters have been an ongoing source of great controversy. The question is, are things getting better? That is, if we look at Hurricane Katrina, a source of great controversy in 2005, and study the government responses since then, can we measure a steady improvement? Intergovernmental relationships have drawn increased attention over the last several years, especially during times of crisis. Perhaps one of the most debated disaster responses was that of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. If this was a low point, it might be useful to measure disaster responses since 2005. People everywhere rely on their governments to do more to offer assistance and relief. But not all government aid has been offered in a timely or efficient manner, thus leading to public outcry and debates over policy and practice. The debates cover a wide range of topics-should there be financial relief, delayed mortgage payments, better healthcare, immediate vaccines, quicker medical and police assistance, funds to rebuild dams and water containment facilities, or guaranteed paid leave? This paper cannot explore every government option. Instead, this paper will explore two factors: response time of FEMA and other government agencies, and the amount of satisfaction or criticism of the government actions as expressed in the press of that time. To compare these two items, we will look at three recent hurricanes: Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Hurricane Sandy in 2012, and Hurricane Irma in 2017. Hurricane Katrina occurred primarily in New Orleans, Louisiana causing citywide destruction and much death, while Hurricane Sandy caused widespread destruction along the coast of New Jersey, and Hurricane Irma devastated much of Puerto Rico, the Florida Keys and areas near Naples, Florida and Texas. Studies have shown that there was a better response to Hurricane Sandy than to Hurricane Katrina. Both local and federal governments had a more adequate and timely reaction compared to the inaction that occurred during Hurricane Katrina. As to Hurricane Irma, some found the government response adequate, and others stated that we did not help the U.S territory, Puerto Rico, enough.