During Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, legendary musician Fats Domino was rescued by boat from his flooded home in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans. The devastating storm caused widespread destruction, leading to significant personal losses for the icon.
Hurricane Katrina, which made landfall in August 2005, brought catastrophic impact to New Orleans, primarily due to widespread levee breaches throughout the city. These breaches led to massive flooding, submerging large parts of the metropolitan area.
The Devastation in the Lower Ninth Ward
Fats Domino's residence was located in the Lower Ninth Ward, one of the areas most severely affected by the floodwaters. Following the levee failures, his home, like many others in the neighborhood, quickly filled with floodwater, posing an immediate threat to his safety.
Rescue and Personal Losses
Amidst the rising water, the renowned music legend had to be rescued by boat from his flooded home. While he was safely evacuated, his property suffered immense damage. Among the significant personal losses was his iconic Steinway piano, which, unfortunately, wasn't so lucky and was damaged or destroyed by the floodwaters.
The table below summarizes key aspects of Fats Domino's experience during Hurricane Katrina:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Hurricane Katrina (August 2005) |
| Location | Lower Ninth Ward, New Orleans |
| Home Impact | Rapidly filled with floodwater due to levee breaches |
| Fats Domino's Fate | Rescued by boat |
| Key Loss | Iconic Steinway piano (damaged/destroyed by floodwaters) |
Fats Domino's harrowing experience underscored the immense human and cultural toll of Hurricane Katrina, particularly on the vibrant music community of New Orleans. His survival and eventual return to the public eye became a symbol of the city's resilience.
