Louisiana and her beloved citizens are, unfortunately, no stranger to natural disasters. Check out the post below to learn more.

Natural Disasters in Louisiana

To give you an idea of what the Pelican State has been through, let’s revisit some of her most devastating moments in history, including her most recent devastation, the Louisiana Floods of 2016.

• The Great Flood of 1927: The controversial bombing of the levees at Caernarvon, LA, caused hundreds of thousands of people to be displaced and a massive amount of damage to properties, livestock, and crops.

• 1965 – Hurricane Betsy: Hurricane Betsy struck New Orleans, Louisiana on September 9, 1965, causing levee breaches throughout the city and flooding more than 160,000 homes.

• The Flood of 1995: A massive storm with more than 20 inches of rain caused a huge flood throughout the city of New Orleans and surrounding areas. Estimates put the damage at close to $3 billion.
• Hurricane Katrina of 2005: Hurricane Katrina struck Louisiana on August 29, 2005, a day that will live in infamy for years to come. It continues to be the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history, costing more than $108 billion and taking more than 1,800 lives. Some areas of Louisiana have yet to completely recover.
• Hurricane Rita of 2005: This was the fourth most intense hurricane ever recorded, and it cost more than $12 million in damage throughout southwestern Louisiana and Texas. Lake Charles and surrounding areas suffered from devastating floods.

• Louisiana Floods of 2016: In August 2016, prolonged rainfall in southern parts of the US state of Louisiana resulted in catastrophic flooding that submerged thousands of houses and businesses. Louisiana's governor, John Bel Edwards, called the disaster a “historic, unprecedented flooding event” and declared a state of emergency. Many rivers and waterways, particularly the Amite and Comite rivers, reached record levels, and rainfall exceeded 20 inches (510 mm) in multiple parishes.

One Volunteer’s Plea For Help

Survival Life reader and flood relief volunteer Anna Content recently reached out to us in regard to the Louisiana Floods of 2016, the current conditions that still exist for many families, and the daily struggles that continue for these families into week 6.

Here is what Anna told us:

PLEASE DO A STORY ON THE RECENT FLOODING IN LOUISIANA! People are still homeless, living in tents, cars, and even just in their yard. It's like a 3rd world country they're living in. They're so many pages on facebook about it, please check it out. We need volunteers bad to help gut these homes. If u like tearing stuff up, we need you! There's hardly any media coverage anymore about it and of course the government is nowhere to be found! Please help us!

When I personally reached out to Anna, we talked in more detail about the different organizations she volunteers for and the work that still needs to be done for thousands of homes and families in need. These amazing groups are in desperate need of more volunteers! There’s so much more work to be done.

I would like to share with you all a quote I found on one of the volunteer’s Facebook pages: 

One person can't do everything, but everyone can do something, no matter how big or small. – The Cajun Green Cross

This quote, along with my conversation with Anna Fontenot, touched my heart and I consider it a privilege to be a voice and getting the word out in any way I can!

I would like to introduce to you four amazing volunteer groups, three of which Anna Fontenot feels blessed to be a part of.

The Cajun Army

Many of you have heard of the Cajun Navy. This is for “boots on the ground” – folks without boats. They are ready to do the work on the ground.

The Cajun Army’s mission is to connect the needs of the community with those willing to serve and provide a trusted place where information can be shared and acquired.

Visit the Cajun Army website to sign up as a volunteer, or join the Cajun Army Facebook Group Page to acquire information on more ways you can be involved.

A post on the Cajun Army Facebook group page with important information on becoming a volunteer:

• If you need help or would like to help the Cajun Army, please fill out a form on our website. Without this form in our system, we can't track you and your request may go unheard.
• If you need help, click “Request Help”
• If you want to help demo homes, click “Join a Demolition Group”
• If you want to help on the admin side, click “Volunteer”
• If you're willing to host a volunteer in your home, click “Host”
• Someone from our organization will be in touch within two business days.

The Cajun Army also has an Amazon Wish List in which much needed supplies for the volunteers can be ordered and sent directly to them.

The Cajun Navy

From The Cajun Navy's Facebook page:

Captains, men, and women, all strangers, with the power of social media, came together on Saturday 8/13/16, upon hearing about the historic flood and the possible threat of claiming thousands of lives. By using social media and Apps like Glympse and Zello for communication, many lives were spared through the efforts of volunteers associated with The Cajun Navy.

Visit the Cajun Navy Facebook Group Page for more information on how you can become a volunteer.

Be Someone's Miracle – SWLA

From the Be Someone's Miracle – SWLA Facebook page:

This movement started with an idea of helping our neighbors to the east. We will continue to bless as many people as we can. Help us Help them!

Visit the Be Someone's Miracle – SWLA Facebook Page for more information on how you can become someone’s miracle and change a family’s life during this crucial time of need.

I also encourage you to please check out their reviews. Here is one review that caught my attention:

God working miracles through amazing people. Be Someone’s Miracle has worked non-stop for weeks to help those in need. Thank you. – Heather D. Rowe 8/21/2016

The Cajun Green Cross

From the Cajun Green Cross Facebook page:

Cajun Green Cross began when a few volunteers who were rescuing people by boat decided that they needed to help these people get back home and rebuild their lives. The Cajun Green Cross sets up every Saturday in an affected community and feed them, hand out donations, and do demolition work in the community.

The following video is from the Cajun Green Cross Facebook page. It's a wonderful testimony of a gentleman from Seattle, Washington who drove 5 days to help this wonderful family in need!

The Cajun Green Cross can be contacted via their Facebook page or by phone, 337-502-8592. Become a volunteer for this amazing organization today!

I want to thank Anna Fontenot for reaching out to us. May God Bless and protect you and every volunteer!

I encourage everyone to share this article with your friends and family. Let’s make a difference for these families in need! Become a much-needed volunteer today!

For information on flood survival, check out the links below:

• Top Survival Skills | Learn Now, Survive Later
• 29 YouTube Survival Skills That Could Save Your Life

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on Sep 26, 2016 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

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