GOVERNOR BLUEFISH

Note - There are a number of reports that cite a lack of imagination and creativity as the reason for a poor emergency management response throughout our history. I wrote "Governor Bluefish" to ensure we would not repeat that citation. 

2023 Hurricane Awareness Week

Unlike other coastal states, Louisiana’s annual hurricane preparations are cultural. So many of the great storms in our history have significantly altered the lands surface. By definition, Louisiana has truly experienced multiple catastrophes. We’ll start with the 1865 Last Island Hurricane that author Jennifer Blake wrote about in her book "The Midnight Waltz." By the way, she hails from Jackson Parish, Louisiana.

As we start the 2023 Hurricane Season, there's a lot to think about with all that has happened the last few years. North Louisiana is prepared to care for our coastal families should another storm threaten the Gulf Coast. Hurricane Laura was still a hurricane when it moved through the northern territories of Louisiana. In 2008, Hurricane Gustav brought flooding rains to Northeast Louisiana. All history we need to remember and pass down to our kids and grandkids.

Make your family plan on a Blue-Sky Day.

BACKGROUND

I have wondered if Hurricanes Laura and Ida will be remembered as the impetus for inland resettlement of coastal families from high-risk areas. I believe inland migration is underway now. Families and business deciding to resettle in North Louisiana would be warmly welcomed.

There are three types of migration. The first, is 1) organic migration like we’re experiencing now. Families get tired and decide to move, or 2) planned migration where there is a state strategy to help families and businesses relocate or 3) The Augustine Incident. Families evacuate inland from an approaching storm. Once the storm clears, officials report their land was taken by the surge. North Louisiana is their new home. 

STORM STORY: NARRATIVE

In early August, Tropical Storm Augustine meandered around in the Gulf of Mexico as a tropical storm before setting a course for Louisiana. Not many people evacuated thinking it would not rapidly intensify in the final hours before landfall. It came ashore as a strong CAT 4 and stalled a few miles inland for 12 hours.

STORM STORY: TWO DAYS LATER

Mayor Stevens, I’m John Graves, Saint DeSiard Parish President. “Good to meet you John, this is Barbara my assistant. Let’s go to my office.” 

Mayor, thank you for taking care of our people. We’re hearing the storm surge took our land, and most of what’s left is cut-off. I need to use your council chambers to conduct some Parish business and hold a press conference. I’ve already setup a call with the Governor to get our people registered to vote. Looks like North Louisiana is home now. 

“John, I’m going to need a few minutes. Let’s meet in an hour.” As the door closed, Mayor Stevens called out to his assistant. “Barbara, get the attorney over here and find our Homeland Security Director right now. Tell him to get over here. I want to know how many people we’re sheltering.”

STORM STORY: FOUR DAYS LATER

Barbara, help me write a quick letter to the Governor.

Dear Governor Bluefish,

We have so many people here with nothing but the clothes on their back. We have so many needs. They have no geography to call home. We will do our best but need help with mass care and planning ahead. Everyone is exhausted.

Once we get the situation stabilized, we will need a jobs package to put people to work. We will need to upgrade our water and sewer infrastructure, expand our schools, libraries and healthcare system. Put affordable housing to the list. Can you provide a team to help me get these needs into a formal request? No one has slept in days.

No more talk about voter registration, you hear me.

Thank you, Governor.

STORM STORY: LATE SEPTEMBER

Mayor Stevens, there's another tropical storm developing. 

Source: NHC, FEMA, NOAA, Louisiana Coastal Plan and Local knowledge  

Tom M.

NOAA - 2021 Hurricane Ida