The Gulf Coast town of Pearlington, Mississippi is located 36.6 miles northwest of New Orleans along the Pearl River, just 8-10 feet above sea level. At the time of the 2000 census, Pearlington's population was 1,684. Hurricane Katrina made landfall August 29th, 2005 with the eastern eye wall directly over Pearlington.

(Left) A home thrown into a tree by Hurricane Katrina.
Photo courtesy of Darrell Nelson

Every home, building, and vehicle in Pearlington was destroyed or severely damaged by the hurricane. A 12-20 foot storm surge travelled up the Pearl River and covered whatever remained after the hurricane with toxic saltwater. Over a year after Hurricane Katrina made landfall, many residents are still living in tents and trailers because their homes remain uninhabitable.

(Right) The Pullman children in what is left of their home. Their dog was lost during the hurricane but later found in a neighbor's attic. Photo credit: Ron Leach




Margaret Ladner relaxes amid the wreckage of what was her home for 30 years in Pearlington, Miss.
Photo courtesy of Valley Journal