South Louisiana Floods

"More than 2 feet of rain has led to record flooding in Louisiana, submerging homes, businesses and vehicles under feet of water in some cases," wrote Chris Dolce for The Weather Channel.

But you wouldn't know that if you rely on larger news outlets. The initial lack of mainstream, national news coverage of the flooding that has wreaked havoc and devastation on South Louisiana is absolutely shameful. It is as if they refuse to acknowledge the impact of what the National Weather Service called a "historic and deadly" event. As of yesterday, an estimated 40,000 homes are affected, 11 people are dead as a result of flooding, 30,000 people have had to be rescued (along with 1,000 pets), 30 (of 64) parishes have been declared disaster areas, and tens of thousands of people are displaced.

As a Louisianan with many friends and former classmates in the affected areas, I have watched with mounting concern as they talk about evacuating, losing basic services, trying to stock up on food, and worrying about loved ones.

But my social media also reveals something else: it comes as no surprise that Louisianans have rallied to aid their neighbors. The Nicholls State football team is one example:

With three buses filled with players as well as water, diapers and socks, the Colonels headed to St. James and Ascension parishes to help fill sandbags and the Lamar Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales to drop off donations.

The Colonels were even willing to quickly change plans to ensure they helped as many people as they could.

"We found out that Sorrento was getting in trouble, so one of the buses went to Sorrento and started sandbagging,” Rebowe said. “We delivered food to the firemen and the people working there. The water kept rising, and they were really appreciative of us being there."

Similarly, the Cajun Navy has risen to the occasion:

They're out in force, patrolling in jon boats, motorboats and even canoes through south Louisiana's new, flood-made waterways, saving cats, dogs and people.

More widespread are the individual neighbors--and people who have traveled to the area-- who are responding to needs, providing food, offering shelter, helping with rescue missions, and giving selflessly of their time and themselves. Tragedy often underscores the interconnectedness of communities and that is on display right now in my beloved home state.

This link shows some ways you can help flood survivors. It will be much appreciated.