The Big Uneasy

In 2005, New Orleans faced an unprecedented natural disaster as Hurricane Katrina made landfall. The storm caused catastrophic flooding that devastated the city, leading to significant loss of life and property.

In the aftermath of the disaster, two scientific investigation teams were established to analyze the causes of the flooding. These teams were crucial in uncovering the factors that led to the levee failures during the hurricane.

Amidst the investigations, a whistleblower stepped forward to provide critical insights regarding the levee failures. This individual's revelations were vital for understanding the shortcomings in the engineering and management of the levee systems.

Harry Shearer, through his documentary, delves into the stories of these investigators and the whistleblower. Their testimonies shed light on the preventable nature of the disaster and the systemic failures that allowed it to happen.

As the documentary progresses, it exposes the flawed engineering methods that contributed to the levee's failure. Shearer highlights that similar approaches are still in use as the city attempts to rebuild and protect against future disasters.

The reconstruction of New Orleans is fraught with challenges, including the application of outdated scientific principles. The documentary argues that without reassessing these methods, the city remains at risk for future flooding disasters.

The film discusses the ongoing threats to New Orleans, emphasizing that the same agency responsible for the earlier failures has not implemented significant improvements in their approach. This lack of accountability raises alarm for the future safety of the city.

Shearer's documentary plays a crucial role in raising public awareness about the issues surrounding the levees and the science used in flood prevention. It encourages viewers to become informed about the risks that cities across America face.

The film culminates with a strong appeal for improvements in engineering practices and accountability in governmental oversight. It makes clear that without these changes, similar disasters could occur in other vulnerable cities across the nation.

The documentary concludes as a stark reminder of the lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina. It urges vigilance and reform in disaster preparedness and urban resilience to safeguard against future calamities.