For example , following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 , approximately 200 square miles of wetlands became open water , demonstrating permanent wetland loss .
However , as these landscapes are weakened , they become more vulnerable to strong winds and flooding .
Following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 , approximately 200 square miles of wetlands became open water , demonstrating permanent wetland loss .
However , as these landscapes are weakened , they become more vulnerable to strong winds and flooding .