"Cajun Navy" of Privately-Owned Boats Patrolling Flood-Stricken Louisiana to Save People and Animals

11 have died so far due to the punishing floods, with tens of thousands of people driven from their homes.

The confirmed statewide death toll rose to 11, a levee was overtopped in one parish and more than three-quarters of the homes were lost in another parish, authorities said Tuesday.

Eight more parishes were added to the existing federal disaster zone, for a total of 20, and overnight curfews were in effect for more than a dozen cities and parishes.

There is an uplifting bit of news here: some people seem to rise to their best as the situation devolves into the worst.

They're out in force, patrolling in jon boats, motorboats and even canoes through south Louisiana's new, flood-made waterways, saving cats, dogs and people.

They're known as the "Cajun Navy," and in recent days they've become possibly the nation's most important neighborhood watch.

Troy Green, from Ascension Parish just south of Baton Rouge, loaded up his boat after hearing the Cajun Navy needed a few good sailors.

He drove to East Baton Rouge Parish where the National Guard had a staging area.

"I am here to help," he said. "Where do you need me?"

They paired him with a local man and the two spent a full day pulling people -- at least two of them in wheelchairs -- out of flooded houses.

Alas, the floods are not done yet -- new flood warnings were issued today for various points in Louisiana.

Keep safe and dry, Louisiana readers.

posted by Ace at 01:23 PM

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