Dove: Atchafalaya threat possible but not likely

Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes were spared the worst effects of this weekend’s rain event that pummeled the Baton Rouge area, officials said Sunday.

There is still, however, a limited potential for some flooding due to waters that may swell the Atchafalaya River. If that occurs, water could rise in Gibson, but Parish President Gordon Dove expressed confidence that protection already in place would minimize any effects.

“Terrebonne Parish is on the West side of the Mississippi River,” Dove said. “Baton Rouge, Hammond, Denham Springs, all of those places are on the east side of the Mississippi River. The water cannot come here. Any other waters should not bother us, except we are watching the Atchafalaya backwater flooding , which could affect us somewhat.”

Examination of current hydrological information, Dove indicated, indicates that is not likely.

Some parish emergency personnel have joined rescue and relief efforts in the Baton Rouge area. Four city police officers were sent to Livingston Parish, where flooding is severe.

Four 2 ½ ton cargo trucks were sent to New Iberia by Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Jerry Larpenter. Lafourche Sheriff Craig Webre sent water patrol deputies and boats, and fire departments throughout the Bayou Region sent personnel and rescue boats.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries coordinated rescue efforts, assisted by other law enforcement agencies including the Louisiana State Police.

Volunteers have been bringing water and other emergency supplies

Dove said that throughout Saturday and Sunday he personally checked on various areas of Terrebonne Parish, from Schriever to Cocodrie.

“We are fortunate that we have our pump stations, all of which were running,” said Dove, who indicated that his office has received no reports of flooding.

Terrebonne’s flood gate network did not require any closures, Dove confirmed, as the tidewater flooding they were designed to address has not occurred.

Civilian relief efforts are underway as well. Area houses of worship including Living Word Church and schools such as the Houma Christian Academy were collecting non-perishables and water for delivery to communities in need.

Houma bail bondsman Tim Fanguy is among local volunteers, who was preparing Sunday with friends to bring water and food to the Baton Rouge region.

“I am bringing 70 cases of water and food,” Fanguy said. “We have two truckloads and two boats. I have a lot of friends that’s hurting up there.”

No. 10 Locals boost cop morale, aid flood victims

Throughout the summer of 2016 community reactions to questionable police shootings of civilians throughout the US drew bitter protest. In some cases – as in Baton Rouge and Dallas – police officers became targets of gunmen in ambush attacks.

Protests did not emerge in the Bayou Region, nor did anti-police violence.

But recognizing the emotional toll slayings of officers in other places could take on local law enforcers, churches, community groups and individuals acting on their own bestowed pizzas, sweets of all types and various gifts.

Officers said they were overwhelmed by the show of support from their neighbors.

Local hearts, minds and hands – along with dollars – found their way to Baton Rouge and surrounding communities as well for flood relief. Local residents scrambled to offer help ranging from fund-raising to muscle, as was the case with local boatmen who joined the efforts of the so-called “Cajun Navy” drawn from all areas in Louisiana to help with aid and rescue.

Churches prepared gift baskets and traveled to stricken areas to cook onsite, seeing that volunteers, first-responders and victims were fed and kept comfortable.

“We have to help,” said Kimberly Chauvin, a shrimp dealer and boat owner in Chauvin who was among locals preparing aid packages from her church.

She and others said that locals know too well the devastation that attacks from Mother Nature can cause.

“We don’t know how to not help,” Chauvin said.