Definition of veto for English Language Learners. : 1  a decision by a person in authority to not allow or approve something (such as a new law) : 2  the right or power of a person in authority to decide that something (such as a new law) will not be approved.
Even five years after Hurricane Katrina, the names of hundreds of the dead remain a mystery and the death toll is mired in dispute. Of an estimated 1,464 victims officially recognized by the state of Louisiana, more than 500 names have not been publicly released.
Hurricane Katrina affected over 15 million people in different ways varying from having to evacuate their homes, rising gas prices, and the economy suffering. An estimated 80% of New Orleans was under water, up to 20 ft deep in places. Hurricane Katrina caused $81 billion in property damages, but it is estimated that the total economic impact in Louisiana and Mississippi may exceed $150 billion, earning the title of costliest hurricane ever in US history. Hurricane Katrina impacted about 90,000 square miles.