I’m collecting links for flood relief in Louisiana. I’m going to also do something I’ve never done before: ask you to rec this diary and pass it on and add links of your own in the comments. It would be nice to see this diary make the rec list—or even a series of diaries about helping the people of Louisiana make it through this flood and difficult time. Thanks in advance.
The flash flooding was caused by an immense amount of rain caused by a fairly unusual disturbance.
Here’s the flood by the numbers as of yesterday evening:
- 80,000+: Louisianans registered for FEMA assistance to date.
- $3.7 million: Disaster assistance claims approved so far.
- 4,070: People who stayed in shelters overnight Wednesday as a result of the flood.
- 30,000+: People rescued from the flood by law enforcement, the National Guard and Good Samaritans.
- 1,400: Pets rescued.
- 40,000: Homes that have been impacted so far.
- 1,100: FEMA personnel on the ground
- 650,000: Liters of water FEMA, Department of Defense provided to state.
- 812,000: Meals FEMA, Department of Defense provided to state.
- 1.5M: Meals and snacks the Red Cross expects to dispense.
- $30M: Red Cross' expected cost for relief efforts.
- 17,000: National Flood Insurance policy claims filed for flood loss.
- 3,650: Louisiana National Guard members deployed
- 114: AmeriCorps members deployed to assist Red Cross.
- 8,077: Power outages that remain.
Here’s how you can help
- The Red Cross has this webportal. Yes, they are a bit problematic, but they are still one of the biggest and most responsive disaster relief organizations on Earth. Donate directly to local chapters and not the national organization.
- Portlight is an organization that I particularly like, as they focus on the disabled.
- The Mennonite Central Committee are experts in this type of relief.
- Please donate to the Second Harvest food bank (h/t Crashing Vor). I read through this site last night. I really like them.
- Louisiana’s state government has a volunteer portal. Click through and see if you can help there.
- The United Way is another way you can contribute.
- This educators association is looking for and providing help.
- NOLA.com has a huge comprehensive list
- The Salvation Army is also collecting resources (their facility flooded, h/t Catte Nappe). Adding them because they’re helping.
- Help animals! The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine has this link.
Please, again, if you can, donate, and please pass this along and contribute links of your own. Thanks again, in advance.