Hurricane Katrina

24 September 2005

Hurricane Rita and its Effects

As the United Houma Nation struggled to channel relief efforts to its citizens devastated by Hurricane Katrina, a new struggle has arose.
Dulac, DuLarge, Grand Caillou, Montegut, Pointe-au-Chien and Isle de Jean Charles (the more populous Houma Indian communities in Terrebonne Parish that had escaped extensive damage from Hurricane Katrina) became victims of the rising storm surge from Hurricane Rita.

We now face the daunting task of bringing aid to another 3500 to 4000 Houmas forced from their homes by rising flood waters. As the southerly winds continued to blow through the day the homes of our tribal citizens were inundated with as much as six feet of water.

The rising tides from Hurricane Rita also breeched recently repaired levees in Plaquemines, St. Bernard and lower Jefferson Parishes, re-flooding communities that were beginning to dry out from the effects of Hurricane Katrina. Today the waters continue to rise and we are praying for a shift in winds so that the water can quickly recede and we can begin addressing these new challenges.

Current needs;

Food, new clothing, building materials, bedding and air mattresses, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items and monetary donations. Please refer to our website, www.unitedhoumanation.org , for information on how to donate.

As the water rose and the levees were breached tribal members in Terrebonne Parish saw their homes flooded with water.

Tribal members photograph their homes as they evacuate by boats.

Tribal communities such as Dulac, Pointe-au-chien, and Montegut join the the list of affected communities by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.