Catastrophe Characteristics and their Impact on Critical Supply Chains: Problematizing Materiel Convergence and Management Following Hurricane Katrina

Abstract

Abstract The influx of supplies after disaster events helps to meet the emergent needs of the impacted area and fill gaps in logistical plans. This same materiel convergence, however, can present a challenging social problem. Organizations must contend with difficulties in supply acquisition, reception, transport, storage, and distribution. In this paper, we use Hurricane Katrina, which impacted the Gulf Coast of the United States in 2005, as a case study to test whether Enrico L. Quarantelli’s six characteristics of catastrophe generate unique relief provision challenges. Qualitative analysis of interviews with key organizational actors in the response effort revealed that the six characteristics did influence the manifestation of the social problem. Analysis also revealed a seventh catastrophe characteristic: mass and extended out-migration of people.