Strategic approach to disaster management: lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina

Purpose – The aftermath of hurricane Katrina has reinforced the role of communication networks and information management in providing effective response to a large‐scale disaster. The purpose of this paper is to examine the performance of communication networks and information systems during hurricane Katrina, list causes of failure and propose design for reliable and scalable networks.Design/methodology/approach – A detailed study of communication networks and information systems was undertaken in the Gulf Coast area.Findings – Breakdown of backhaul circuits, flooding of PSTN and disruption of electricity contributed to failure of communication systems. Overall wireless voice and data networks had faster recovery time and performed better than the landline networks. Absence of inter‐agency information system contributed towards delayed response.Practical implications – During the reconstruction activity in Gulf Coast and to prepare strategy for disasters in future, officials will need to refocus on the ...