When government senses that things are spinning out of control, its instinct is to clamp down, asserting control in ways that make no sense or are actively harmful — all to maintain the narrative that We Are In Control. There was a lot of this after Katrina.
Loss of life is a misfortune to these people, but loss of control is the whole world. It’s why they exist.
A most excellent comment! Authority exists to be authoritive. That is the prime directive. All else pales.