Many of you may already be aware of the tragic flooding that has been going on in south Louisiana over the past few days. What I don’t think many outside of Louisiana are aware of is just how bad the devastation really is. For those of you that have been concerned, I am safe and dry, but unfortunately most people just a few towns over from me can’t say the same. These people have lost everything.
Louisiana was most recently hit with what experts are calling a “1,000 year event”. In Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, and surrounding towns, over 40,000 homes have been damaged, over 20,000 people and 1,000 animals have been rescued, and over 10,000 people are currently in shelters.
Thousands were stranded in their cars on flooded interstates for days with little to no food or water while others were desperately waiting on their rooftops for help as waters continued to quickly rise. In one specific town, 90% of homes and businesses took water. In many areas, all you can see are rooftops. Some areas still haven’t seen the worse of it yet as water continues to rise. Worst of all, 13 people are now dead. These stats don’t even begin to paint the picture of the heartbreak that is taking place down here in Louisiana right now.
What’s taking place right now feels like Hurricane Katrina all over again for many. Some of these people relocated their lives to the Baton Rouge area post Katrina to recover and rebuild from what they thought would be a once in a lifetime event. Others have just recovered and rebuilt from a similar flooding event that took place as recently as March. I can’t even begin to imagine what these people are going through.
What I do know is every little bit of help counts, so I’m writing today’s post in hopes of utilizing my platform to reach as many of you as possible who want to lend a helping hand. Tens of thousands are in need of food, clothes, personal items, toiletries, and cleaning supplies now that they’ve lost everything they owned. It doesn’t just stop there though. The road to recovery is a long road ahead. Many of these people didn’t have flood insurance since they lived in a “no-flood zone” and weren’t required to have it. It will take a very long time to rebuild.
If you’d like to help Louisiana flood victims, you can do so by giving a donation to the Red Cross by calling 1-800-REDCROSS or texting LAFLOODS to 90999 to donate $10. Many local businesses and organizations have also set up donation drop-offs to help Louisiana flood victims. Check out this list to see how you can help.
Even if you aren’t local, you can still help by donating food, clothes, toiletries, and cleaning supplies to these local drop-offs by having items delivered through services like Amazon. No donation is too small, but the impact on the lives they reach will be huge!
On behalf of Louisiana, thank you to everyone that has helped in any way, from those of you that have prayed and/or sent in donations, to officials and citizens working around the clock to rescue those in need.
candy says
Been watching the flooding on news channels. Great idea to show people how they can help.
Marvina Stedge says
It’s so sad. My sister lives down there and she has been scared to death. She’s also a nurse so it does help, but her friends have water in their houses, and it is devastating. I will be praying for her and all the people.
Lynn says
Very sad news. If only I am just near the state I will gladly volunteer and help them out. My prayers are always with them.
Elizabeth Morrison says
This is so sad and I would love to offer help I am in Virginia and have a renovation home how can I help someone start over in another in the State of Virginia
Lauren says
When I heard about this I immediately went to your blog because I know you would have something to say and would give me resources to help. I am going to send a relief package.