Final answer:
A major failure in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina was the delayed and disorganized emergency response.
Step-by-step explanation:
A major failure in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina was the delayed and disorganized emergency response. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Bush administration were heavily criticized for their inadequate preparations and slow response to the storm.
The failure to provide timely assistance and the disorganized rescue efforts resulted in many stranded citizens and exposed the inequalities of race and class. This event highlighted the nation's economic inequality, racial divisions, and the challenges faced by federal agencies in coordinating disaster response.