Experts on evacuations, recovery efforts and storm surge available as Hurricane Laura approaches Louisiana and Texas

Hurricane Laura is set to make landfall on the coasts of Texas and Louisiana, putting millions in danger of dealing with two crises – a Category 4 storm and a pandemic – at the same time.

The looming disaster arrives on the 15th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which made landfall in New Orleans and the surrounding areas on Aug. 29, 2005.

The University of Delaware has several experts who can comment on vulnerable communities, storm surge, coastal retreat, disaster response and the Katrina anniversary.

Jennifer Trivedi: Has a new book about the 15th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina due out this fall and can speak to the difficulty of dealing with multiple disasters at once, as well as cultural issues and long-term recovery.

Tricia Wachtendorf: Household and evacuation decision-making, disaster response and coordination, disaster relief (donations) and logistics, volunteer and emergent efforts, social vulnerability.  

James Kendra: Disaster response, nursing homes and hospitals, volunteers, response coordination.

Jennifer Horney: Environmental impacts of disasters and potential public health impacts for chronic and infectious diseases.

A.R. Siders: Sea level rise, rebuilding or retreat after storms, risks to U.S. military bases. 

Sarah DeYoung: Pets in emergencies, infant feeding in disasters and decision-making in hurricane evacuation.  

Jennifer Trivedi: Has written a new book on the 15th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and can speak to the difficulty of dealing with multiple disasters at once, as well as cultural issues and long-term recovery.

Joe Trainor: Post-hurricane housing decisions and insurance.