Levees Cannot Fully Eliminate Risk of Flooding to New Orleans

April 24 -- Levees and floodwalls cannot provide absolute protection for New Orleans against overtopping or failure in extreme events, says a new report by the National Academy of Engineering and the National Research Council. The voluntary relocation of people in vulnerable areas should be considered. If relocation is not feasible, the first floor of buildings should be elevated to the 100-year flood level.


Office of News and Public Information
news.national-academies.org

The National Academies
Copyright © 2005. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved. 500 Fifth St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001.