Army Lieutenant General Russel Honoré became a household name in 2005 when he led recovery efforts as commander of Joint Task Force Katrina.

Nearly 20 years later, as storms grow stronger and climate disasters are becoming more frequent, Honoré says the lessons of Hurricane Katrina remain urgent: local leaders fail, warnings can be too late and people without resources are often left behind.

He retired in 2008 but remains an active crisis consultant, advising on flooding, wildfires and even the security failures of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.

As he flew into New Orleans by helicopter on Aug. 31, 2005, Honoré said he had to keep his emotions in check as the faces of thousands of residents came into view. New Orleanians who didn't have the means to leave the city had gathered at the

See Full Page