Waveland, Miss., is still recovering 20 years after Hurricane Katrina hit

By Debbie Elliott

Published August 25, 2025 at 5:01 AM EDT

Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Waveland, Miss. A deadly and destructive storm surge nearly 30 feet high washed away the town. Twenty years later, it's still trying to recover.

Tags

NPR

Debbie Elliott

NPR National Correspondent Debbie Elliott can be heard telling stories from her native South. She covers the latest news and politics, and is attuned to the region's rich culture and history.

See stories by Debbie Elliott

WRVO is at a critical moment.

Recent cuts to federal funding are challenging our mission to serve central and upstate New York with trusted journalism, vital local coverage, and the diverse programming that informs and connects our communities. This is the moment to join our community of supporters and help keep journalists on the ground, asking hard questions that matter to our region.

Stand with public media and make your gift today—not just for yourself, but for all who depend on WRVO as a trusted resource and civic cornerstone in central and upstate New York.

Support WRVO now