YouTube is inviting Gulf Coast residents to submit videos sharing their reflections on Hurricane Katrina to mark the fifth anniversary of the disaster.

“The YouTube Blog offers more details. In 9 days we will commemorate the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina with a collection of videos on the YouTube homepage created by New Orleans area residents.”

Hurricane Katrina devastated several states along the Gulf Coast region in what turned out to be one of the deadliest natural disasters in U.S. history. Eighteen months last, the affected areas still find themselves struggling to rebuild their respective communities and revitalize their local economies.

In an attempt to give these areas a helping hand, Microsoft announced today its intention to donate $1.7 million in cash, software and specialized curriculum to nonprofit partners in Louisiana and Texas.