Many more people died from the Galveston hurricane of 1900 than died from Katrina. One of the best books to tell the story of a city and a natural disaster, "Isaac's Storm" by Eric Larson, is a great read in our day of ballooning population, greater vulnerability to hurricanes, and global warning possibly increasing their severity.
The flooding caused by hurricanes in some cases has similarities to this year's Missouri River flooding in Nebraska and Iowa including the Omaha area, such as the increasing vulnerability from the decline of wetlands.
"Isaac's Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History" is the sort of book, perfectly edited and very well-written, that entertains you from start to finish.
"Isaac" was a weather expert who didn't think Galveston could be seriously hurt by a storm. This book is based in part on his letters, telegrams, and reports.
"Isaac's Storm" is now available at six Omaha Public Library locations.
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