20 Years Later, 'Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time' Reveals Triumphs and Tragedies

A Tragic Failure and a Testament to Human Resilience

The systems designed to protect Americans failed in August 2005, but in the face of unimaginable disaster, everyday people and quick-thinking National Guard and military service members rose above the floodwaters. Their actions proved that small acts of courage can save lives and highlight the importance of preparedness and unity.

A powerful new documentary series from National Geographic, “Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time,” now streaming on Hulu and Disney+, offers a compelling look at one of the most devastating natural disasters in American history. Directed by Oscar®-nominated director Traci A. Curry and executive produced by Ryan Coogler, this five-part series provides an intimate and comprehensive account of Hurricane Katrina, told entirely through the voices of those who lived it.

One of the most poignant voices in the series is that of Shelton Shakespear Alexander, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and poet. As the winds of Katrina began to pick up, he recorded footage using his personal camera. When the levees broke, he evacuated to the Superdome, where his recordings captured the experiences of some of the most vulnerable individuals during the deadly hurricane.

His footage showed how people learned to eat MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat) and revealed what it was like during the long hours they waited for rescue. It also highlighted the spirit of community as people lifted each other up during the crisis.

Reflecting on the loss of life due to a lack of preparation or early warning, Shelton expressed a deep sense of regret. “I wish more people had a chance to learn survival skills like swimming or preparedness,” he said. “They didn’t give us a fair warning. We need to do a better job of caring for our elders, our parents, and the secluded. I hated to learn about all the people who passed alone.”

The devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina was made worse by human errors. When the levees failed, 80% of New Orleans and 95% of St. Bernard Parish were flooded, leaving over 100,000 people in dire straits. The city, which sits six feet below sea level and is surrounded by multiple bodies of water, had long been known to be at risk of flooding. Congress had authorized the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to upgrade the region’s hurricane protection system, but due to budget cuts and delays, the project was not completed in time for Katrina.

In the aftermath, the federal response was slow. However, there were moments of heroism. Quick-thinking members of the Coast Guard and other military units acted independently, saving lives when others were held back by bureaucracy.

“Sarah Faulkner was a badass Coast Guard Rescue Diver who helped save 40 people in one night,” said director Traci A. Curry. “What was really interesting about the Coast Guard’s response was that they acted outside of the chain of command. While the rest of the military was tied up in bureaucratic red tape, the Coast Guard could go into action right away. They went straight to New Orleans and got to work, and I thought it was so important to highlight their actions.”

When asked what he hopes audiences will take away from the documentary, Shelton emphasized the importance of coming together as people, especially in a time when the country feels divided. “Let’s focus on coming back together. Being American. Being together. We don’t know who’s gonna get a wildfire, who’s gonna get an earthquake, who’s gonna get a storm, who’s gonna get a flood. We just need for the sake of humanity — it’s not a political thing, it’s individual — and we need to check our hearts and help out when we can.”

The five-part series premiered on National Geographic across two nights beginning July 27, 2025. All episodes are now available on Disney+ and Hulu.

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