Changes

The loss of life and property damage was worsened by breaks in the levees that separate New Orleans from surrounding lakes. At least 80% of New Orleans was under flood water on August 31st, largely as a result of levee failures from Lake Pontchartrain. The combination of strong winds, heavy rainfall and storm surge led to breaks in the earthen levee after the storm passed, leaving some parts of New Orleans under 20 feet of water. Storm surge from Mobile Bay led to inundation of Mobile, Alabama causing imposition of a dusk-to-dawn curfew for the City. Large portions of Biloxi and Gulfport, Mississippi were underwater as a result of a 20 to 30+ foot storm surge which flooded the cities.  

The loss of life and property damage was worsened by breaks in the levees that separate New Orleans from surrounding lakes. At least 80% of New Orleans was under flood water on August 31st, largely as a result of levee failures from Lake Pontchartrain. The combination of strong winds, heavy rainfall and storm surge led to breaks in the earthen levee after the storm passed, leaving some parts of New Orleans under 20 feet of water. Storm surge from Mobile Bay led to inundation of Mobile, Alabama causing imposition of a dusk-to-dawn curfew for the City. Large portions of Biloxi and Gulfport, Mississippi were underwater as a result of a 20 to 30+ foot storm surge which flooded the cities.  

===Oil industry===

===Oil industry===

A major economic impact for the nation was the disruption to the [[oil]] industry from Katrina. Preliminary estimates from the Mineral Management Service suggest that oil production in the Gulf of Mexico was reduced by 1.4 million barrels per day (or 95 % of the daily Gulf of Mexico production) as a result of the hurricane. [[Gasoline]] had reached a record high price-per-gallon as of Monday August 30th with concerns over refinery capacity apparently driving the increase.

A major economic impact for the nation was the disruption to the [[oil]] industry from Katrina. Preliminary estimates from the [[Mineral Management Service]] suggest that oil production in the Gulf of Mexico was reduced by 1.4 million barrels per day (or 95 % of the daily Gulf of Mexico production) as a result of the hurricane. [[Gasoline]] had reached a record high price-per-gallon as of Monday August 30th with concerns over refinery capacity apparently driving the increase.

In addition, the hurricane caused 44 oil spills in Southeast Louisiana, totaling approximately 7 million gallons.<ref>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9365607/ 44 oil spills found in southeast Louisiana]</ref> The vast majority of oil spilled was from on-shore industrial plants and above ground storage depots plus other facilities.  Damage to pipelines and oil platforms was very significant.  45 oil platforms were destroyed and 54 pipelines were damaged (10" or larger).  <ref> http://www.mms.gov/ooc/press/2006/press0501.htm  </ref> 70 oil spills (one barrel or larger) totaling over 11,000 gallons of crude oil and other refined products were reported.  211 minor pollution incidents were also reported. Minor pollution incidents are categorized as incidents involving less than 500 barrels of oil that do not reach the coast line. No significant spills from any offshore wells were reported. <ref> http://www.mms.gov/tarprojects/581/44814183_MMS_Katrina_Rita_PL_Final%20Report%20Rev1.pdf</ref>

In addition, the hurricane caused 44 oil spills in Southeast Louisiana, totaling approximately 7 million gallons.<ref>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9365607/ 44 oil spills found in southeast Louisiana]</ref> The vast majority of oil spilled was from on-shore industrial plants and above ground storage depots plus other facilities.  Damage to pipelines and oil platforms was very significant.  45 oil platforms were destroyed and 54 pipelines were damaged (10" or larger).  <ref> http://www.mms.gov/ooc/press/2006/press0501.htm  </ref> 70 oil spills (one barrel or larger) totaling over 11,000 gallons of crude oil and other refined products were reported.  211 minor pollution incidents were also reported. Minor pollution incidents are categorized as incidents involving less than 500 barrels of oil that do not reach the coast line. No significant spills from any offshore wells were reported. <ref> http://www.mms.gov/tarprojects/581/44814183_MMS_Katrina_Rita_PL_Final%20Report%20Rev1.pdf</ref>