What is the Cajun Navy you ask? Well, it is the TRUE first responders to the horrendous flooding that is affecting the Baton Rouge LA area and expanding as it flows to the Gulf.
Is the flooding over? Not until the water flows in the Gulf of Mexico.
To set the stage of the Cajun Navy this was the scenario: Rain fell in unprecedented amounts for 3 days, resulting in totals between 20 and 30 inches. That's a lot of water falling out of the sky. Louisiana residents are used to hurricanes and dealing with water, but this was a true flash flood of biblical proportions.
The water rose so quickly that people could not even gather clothes or their animals. They literally were scrambling to get out or get up on the roof.
As learned in previous natural disasters, it is very difficult and impossible for a federal response where there are not passable roads. So the first responders and continual responders has been from people helping people.
If you live in "Sportman's Paradise", you most likely have a boat. The flat bottom jon boat, (pronounced JOE boat in Louisiana) is perfect to navigate shallow water and drive the boat to the window of a home.
The Cajun Navy assembled in Baton Rouge, made up of fisherman, duck hunters, gator hunters, wildlife and fisheries employees and people wanting to help people. The Cajun Navy was prominent in the rescue of hurricane Katrina evacuations. They can launch a boat off an interstate highway, a front yard, or wherever needed. Many had to launch their boat in their own driveway!
As the Cajun Navy wraps up the human rescue they begin the animal recovery. It is very sad to see dogs treading water and animals trying to find anything that floats to stand on . This is a photo from facebook that shows the rescue of chickens.
Only 1 in 8 residents in East Baton Rouge have flood insurance as this area has never flooded. Flooding is continuing to affect additional areas, as the water flows to the Gulf of Mexico.
As a Lousiana native, now living in Missouri, I have experienced this. Louisiana people are strong and help each other. They will be filling the dry houses with as many friends and family to live, while they figure out what to do next. Flood repair takes a long time, even with flood insurance.
Cajun Navy: A Lesson In Taking Care of Your Own People
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