And Away We Go; Let’s Talk Citizen Action
Hurricane Laura swept through the southern United States last week leaving severe decimation in its wake. The death toll currently stands at 16 with more than 400,000 people displaced. This storm was already unique, with the strongest winds recorded in Louisiana history, made even more so in that is was coupled with concurrent storm Marco — although eventually downgraded to a tropical depression by the time it made landfall — a historical first. Marco lost steam as it approached land, while Laura did the opposite, making landfall as a Category 4 and bringing with it some of the fastest winds and highest storm surges Louisiana has ever seen, with some areas reaching as high as 12 feet. While all this chaos ensued, one group was ready and waiting, preparing for days before carrying out the purpose of its formation. That group is the Cajun Navy — a volunteer organization equipped with a fleet of private watercraft to search and rescue, and provide aid in the aftermath.
The Cajun Navy was founded in 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the tremendous fallout of which demonstrated that government efforts alone were not enough to address such a devastating storm. Katrina left more than 1,800 people dead, a number the Cajun Navy feels could have been greatly reduced if they were organized prior to the storm. However, that number would have been far higher if not for the private citizens that joined the rescue efforts. There were simply too many people in need of assistance than the government was equipped to rescue. They needed more boats and more people, and the private citizens that stepped up, ultimately preventing an even greater death toll, would in the aftermath come together to formalize the official non-profit organization of the Cajun Navy. Equipped with a fleet of as many as 400 private water craft and the slogan “And Away We Go”, during Hurricane Harvey in 2017 the group went on to perform more than 5,000 rescues.
The Cajun Navy doesn’t pack up and go once the rescuing is complete; this is just the first part of the group’s mission. After the storm has passed and lives are no longer threatened, the organization then begins its next phase: to provide food, water, and shelter to those in need. Given that 350,000 Louisiana residents could be without power for months, and currently 180,000 people lack access to running water, the Cajun Navy has much of its work yet to come.
Recently acknowledged by President Trump, the Cajun Navy is a great example of how ordinary individuals can come together to do the extraordinary, with the sole motivation of helping their community. As we continue to face increasingly difficult global challenges, from pandemics and poverty, to human rights violations and climate change, it has never been more important for individuals to band together and take action to make a positive difference in our global community.
Jake Greenwald, Business Development
Hurricane Laura was not only unique in that it was one of two hurricanes to form concurrently, but it was also the first hurricane to hit during a modern pandemic. This made relief preparation and rescue efforts all the more difficult. The Cajun Navy had the fewest volunteers since its inception in 2005, as many of them are plant workers, military personnel, and health professionals who could not afford to be faced with the 14-day quarantine period required should they assist in the rescue efforts. Further, there were greater considerations than merely getting people to safety, as past strategies of huddling hundreds together in large centers was not a viable option.
Many have begun to donate to help victims of Hurricane Laura, but before you do it’s important to check with websites like Charity Navigator and Guidestar, which grade non-profits on their effectiveness and financial history. It’s critical to know what portion of money donated actually goes to helping those who need it, so that generosity translates into maximum positive impact.
Here are a few local organizations recommended by the New York Times to aid in relief for victims of Hurricane Laura:
Cajun Navy
St. Bernard Project
Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana
Houston Food Bank
Austin Disaster Relief
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