Ep 11. Katrina Underground

Katrina Underground is the eleventh episode of the second season of Cities of the Underworld, a documentary television series that explores the hidden history of cities around the world by delving deep beneath the surface. In this episode, host Don Wildman travels to New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to uncover the city's hidden underground.

The episode begins with a brief introduction to the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans in August 2005. Wildman sets out to explore the underground tunnels, canals, and crypts that lie beneath the city's streets, hoping to uncover hidden artifacts and stories that shed light on the city's past and present.

The first stop on Wildman's journey is the city's historic French Quarter, where he visits the basement of the famous Napoleon House. Here, he discovers a labyrinth of tunnels that are believed to have been used by pirates, smugglers, and even Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. Wildman also explores the underground canal system that was built in the 18th century to drain the swampland on which the city was built. He talks to experts about how this system contributed to the devastating flooding that occurred after Hurricane Katrina, and how efforts are being made to improve it today.

Next, Wildman heads to the city's famous St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, where he descends into the crypts of some of the city's most famous residents, including voodoo priestess Marie Laveau. He examines the architecture and symbolism of the tombs, and discusses the role that these magnificent structures have played in the city's cultural and religious traditions.

Wildman also visits the city's abandoned former Civil Defense headquarters, which was partially destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Here, he explores the underground bunker that was built during the Cold War to protect government officials in the event of a nuclear attack. He talks to experts about the history of civil defense in the United States and ponders the question of whether such preparations were ever truly effective.

Throughout the episode, Wildman also explores the impact of Hurricane Katrina on the city's underground infrastructure. He talks to engineers and city officials about the challenges of restoring the canals and pumping stations that failed during the storm, and considers the broader question of how cities can prepare for the increasingly severe weather events that are predicted to occur in the coming years.

Overall, Katrina Underground is a fascinating and thought-provoking episode of Cities of the Underworld that delves deep into the history and culture of New Orleans. Through his explorations of the city's hidden underground, Wildman gives viewers a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of this remarkable city and its people.