Published: Tuesday, May 10, 2011, 6:09 AM
Louisianians haven't lived though this dangerous a threat from the Mississippi River in more than a generation -- and that's an emergency that compels officials and residents alike to be prepared. It also warrants a full emergency declaration from the federal government.
Thousands of people across South Louisiana were evaluating their risk and making preparations Monday, as the Army Corps of Engineers continued taking measures to relieve pressure on river levees and minimize the expected flooding.
Crews began opening the Bonnet Carre Spillway in St. Charles Parish. Communities in the Atchafalaya Basin placed sand bags and alerted residents of possible evacuations if the Morganza Spillway is opened north of Baton Rouge. And Gov. Bobby Jindal directed hundreds of Louisiana National Guard troops to assist in those efforts and to be ready to help victims of flooding.
Corps of Engineers maps forecast flooding in large areas of St. Mary, Assumption, Terrebonne and other South Louisiana parishes if Morganza is opened for the first time since 1973. The corps still was estimating Monday how many homes and other structures may flood. But residents shouldn't have to wait for maps to make preparations. As Gov. Bobby Jindal warned: "If you got wet in 1973, you'll get wet this time. If you nearly got wet in 1973, you'll probably get wet this time."
Yet the Obama administration granted the state only a partial disaster declaration. That allows state and local governments to receive direct federal supplies. But a full disaster declaration is needed for cash-strapped local governments to get up to 75 percent reimbursement for their flood control expenses. A full declaration also would set up the process for the state to request individual assistance for flood victims. The administration should reconsider its decision and grant the full disaster declaration so aid will flow smoothly as it is needed.
Officials expect the river levees to hold, protecting most of metro New Orleans. But they warned that the Mississippi's tributaries will back up. They also asked residents not to drive on levees and to be alert for water boils or other apparent levee issues.
Those of us out of the expected flood zones also can do something else: Get ready to assist those who will likely be affected by this emergency.
http://www.nola.com/opinions/index.ssf/ ... cy_in.html
=====
TED JACKSON / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE Heath Landry and Ferrel Dettart of the Morgan City Fire Dept. look over the monument in downtown Morgan City marking the flood levels of the 1973 flood, which is about 5 feet above the street level on Front Street. "It's about to get a lot higher than that," said Landry as residents prepare for flood waters in the Morgan City area as officials consider opening the Morganza Spillway, Monday, May 9, 2011.
Morgan City, other communities in path of Morganza spillway are bracing for Mississippi River flooding
MORGAN CITY -- Sandbags proved woefully inadequate the last time the Morganza Floodway was opened 38 years ago, so Benjamin Davis got out the heavy equipment to protect his family's three-house compound from potential flooding as officials consider opening the spillway to ease near-record Mississippi River levels.
http://www.nola.com/weather/index.ssf/2 ... rganz.html
