The rains came on August 13, and they kept coming.
More than 20 inches of rain have inundated the southern part of Louisiana, and more than 20,000 people have been rescued/displaced. Nine people have died, and more rain is on the way to places such as Baton Rouge and Lafayette.
But the news isn’t really covering this. Why?
Louisiana is facing a disaster of huge proportions, they are in need of our help. As my friend and fellow blogger Kari Jordan (and member of the Louisiana community herself) stated:
“Whether you have seen a little or a lot of coverage on this, know that it is utter devastation and entire towns outside Baton Rouge are under water and had no insurance as they were not in a flood zone.”
Here is some of the real-real of what is happening to our neighbors in Louisiana, again from my friend Kari:
The bad thing is that the news just is not covering it. People slept on the interstate because the water came up so fast they could not cross. Trucks were opening their trailers and giving out perishable foods to the stranded motorists. Many people were just flooded in March and had only been back in their homes a few weeks. Death toll is only 11 but as the water recedes, they are finding bodies in cars all over. 90% of homes in the affected areas are completely submerged. 90%! I have a friend who had never flooded. She left her house when water got in her yard and went to her mom’s. They were forced to leave there and went to a Lowe’s. The water came up in Lowe’s and they had to leave by boat a 3rd time. She was supposed to be getting back to her house today to see what could be salvaged. But so many that would go to friends or family……those friends and family have nothing left either.
Sometimes we feel so helpless in the face of disasters like this. What can we do practically to help the flooding victims? Well, people have already begun to mobilize on the ground, and here are some ways that we can extend a hand:
- cash donations to reputable organizations such as the Salvation Army and United Way
- service opportunities, such as volunteering with the Red Cross or foster care for an animal
- dropping off much needed items/supplies at various designated locations around the state of Louisiana
- going down to affected areas to be the man-power they need, if you can do so
Kari let me know all kinds of practical things are needed: Baby supplies, toiletries, gift cards, mosquito spray (high possibilities of mosquitoes this flood will breed), sunscreen, etc.
My dear friend Tiany L. Davis and her crew at BatonRougeMoms.com have put together a comprehensive list of shelters, emergency numbers, and other vital information for South Louisiana here:
http://batonrougemoms.com/south-louisiana-flood-guide/
In addition, the bloggers over at NewOrleansMomsBlog.com have compiled a centralized list of giving opportunities, many of which are local businesses that are leading the charge:
How to Help The Louisiana Flood Victims {Drop Offs, Donations and More} :: Moms Helping Moms
Please know that however you and I can help, in ways big and small, will make a difference, and will let our LA neighbors know that we care <3.
Praying for Louisiana & lending a hand,
Thank you from LA!!
It’s my honor to help in this small way Lori!