ADVERSITY IN THE SOUTHLAND

I have spent the last three decades researching and developing projects to recover and mitigate future risks. Some years ago, I was working on a project in Mississippi and noticed all the blues artist, singer, painters, writers, poets and musicians that Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas had given us. Looking at a national heat map I built of federal disaster declarations since the early 1960s, I wondered about the relationship.

Then I considered the decades of persistent poverty, civil unrest (Birmingham 1963, Selma 1965, burning crosses, others) and other information from the Smithsonian Institute. Is all this adversity yielding creativity in the population? Is this how we got B.B. King. His hometown is no stranger to epic storms and other social challenges. Neither is Clarksdale, Mississippi. The same is true for much of the Southland. 

Is this nature's way of helping us heal ourselves?

Every few months I dig a little deeper into this subject. Now I have a project that requires clarity on the relationship. Stay tuned.

Tom M.

Rolling Fork, Mississippi Tornado 2023 - PBS

                                                                                                              © 2022 Tom Malmay

NORTHEAST LOUISIANA IN LIVING COLOR: THE BLUES CELEBRATION

Northeast Louisiana (NELA) has awakened. We're no longer a black and white photograph from the 1950s. Murals, sculptures, poetry readings, art galleries, museums, musical performances and festivals dot the landscape. In 2023, the City of West Monroe introduced the Ouachita River Blues Society (ORBS). The West Monroe-Monroe area now takes its rightful place alongside Memphis, Clarksdale. Greenville, Indianola, Natchez and New Orleans. Thats what ORBS means to the community.

Since the Great Flood of 2016, we have been in what looks like a full-on Renaissance in our community, but that's not the whole story. The blend of business and art is spreading in the Ouachita River Valley. I will stay with that geographic characterization, but it encompasses all of Northeast Louisiana.

Aside from nourishing our minds and souls, the current explosion of art and cultural happenings has an economic role. It's in our economic interest that our artists thrive and do well. We need them to publish their work from NELA. In every media interview they give, they will ask where they live and talk about home. We are looking very attractive to remote workers. There are cool things to do and see. The art and culture helps our leaders and economic developers with their business development efforts. We look attractive.

Remote workers will want to live and play in downtown Monroe and West Monroe. Some will have an interest in hunting and fishing in the rural areas.

There are so many people and groups responsible for this transformation taking place. Our leaders know who they are. NELA is changing, we cannot go back.

We're in "Living Color."


Tom M.

Indian Village Harvest Farm Calhoun, La

@2022 Tom Malmay

Talking about Race

For the third time in as many weeks I was in a meeting and the subject of how we communicate with one another came up. To add context, we were talking about community projects and flood relief for Low to moderate income areas devastated during the 2016 flood. The Governor has directed $100 Million in HUD dollars to help the people in these areas including Ouachita Parish. All voices will be needed. All-hands on deck.

Many of us have spent our careers speaking publicly in a way not to offend anyone. We are all Americans, all God's children, so we are all the same. But we're not. There are cultural differences, life experience differences and economic differences. Serving as an elected official is hard work.

The community is changing. We need to adjust how we are communicating to speed progress on these issues. This was said to me yesterday. All my Caucasian, Black, Asian, Hispanic and Native American friends, if you are engaged in a discussion on race, speak plainly and dont hunt and peck for words to make a sentence with no substance. Same is true with public speaking. It's time to go there. We are all still learning. Us Baby Boomers are running out of time to make sure we dont leave a mess for our kids and grandkids. We need to speed progress along.

Finally, I was in a public meeting on black violence at Richwood High School a year ago this October. Leaders from across the community attended. State Representative Pat Moore called the meeting and spoke. I had heard her speak on these issues before. What she had to say that day and how she communicated her message made an impression. These are difficult subjects. Thank you, State Representative Pat Moore.

Source: Local Knowledge

Photograph provided by Tom Malmay

Meeting called by State Representative Pat Moore on violence in the Black Community. Mayor Ellis is providing a readout from his breakout group.

Tom M.

2022 Hurricane Season - Make your family plans on a Blue-Sky day.

I dont talk about Hurricanes Katrina and Rita that much. I usually refer to them as the 2005 storms, personal. On August 29th, I remember most of the media reporting we dodged a bullet all afternoon. Before I turned in that evening, I watched a few minutes of CNN coverage. Jeanne Meserve and her videographer were reporting live somewhere in New Orleans. She commented that they noticed water rising from where it was earlier in the evening. The desk anchor even new that did not sound right. He said he would get his producer to check that out. My last thoughts that evening before I turned in was wondering where that water was coming from. The lesson is, until you know, you dont know.

I did a lot of work and interviews in the weeks, months and years after the storms. The stories of survival during landfall and the weeks that followed still run through my mind when the NHC names an Invest.

Bless everyone on the Louisiana Gulf Coast.


Hurricane Katrina graphic provided by NOAA.

Tom M.

LIFE IS MESSY

A few years ago, I had finished up a recovery meeting that went long and got a little warm. A comment was made after the meeting it was a little messy. I responded, “Sure it was, it was an authentic discussion. No prepared statements, no meeting before the meeting.” We had been talking about race, culture, perception, economic development, equity and breaking the cycle of poverty. It had been a long three months, everyone was tired. 

A couple of weeks later I went downtown to Art Alley located off DeSaird. My plan was to walk around and relax. I parked across from the Cotton restaurant. Within a few minutes I walked upon this mural “Life is Messy.” I stood there for a moment. I knew instantly it meant something to me. I took some photographs and sent to my colleagues. It had the same effect on them. Real democracy is messy. Humans are messy and nothing is perfect. We have to help one another get through the journey. 

Effective communication can be oral, written, maps, charts and yes public art. Poetry, song, sculpture, murals, paintings are all communication forms that can be brought to bear on hard issues. This is something I knew, but somehow was reaffirmed that cold winter day. 

I’m still out there photographing public art and architecture. It has become an outlet for me. It’s my way of resting. The “Life is Messy” mural has a very special place in my heart. It opened doors I did not know were there. 

Thank you to all the artists and the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council for making us beautiful.

Tom M.

DISCUSSION - PROPOSED OUACHITA RIVER VALLEY MITIGATION PROJECT

Note- The outline below reflects an ongoing conversation in the Ouachita Rivery Valley on flood risk reduction.

1. Introduction:

From the beginning it has always been in Ouachita's interest to support Catahoula
Caldwell, Franking and Richland Parish in their mitigation efforts. In those parishes many of the flood solutions will never make a BCR. But they can qualify for an elevation or acquisition program. In the urbanized areas, these parishes and Ouachita, drainage projects are needed.

2. Proposal

A regional flood acquisition program is to service specific Parishes. The program would be managed by the Louisiana Watershed Initiative (LWI). Funding would include a mix of CDBG and HMGP, all managed by LWI. 

3. Scope

It is easy to envision a multi-parish project to bring relief to these areas. Ouachita Parish has purchased a number of properties in Eastern Ouachita Parish. There are structures remaining in this area that need to be mitigated.

Project Areas - Catahoula, Caldwell, Franking, Richland Parish and Eastern Ouachita Parish.

4. Project Type

Multi-Parish Acquisition Project

5.0 Budget

Funding Type- HUD
Amount - Startup Funding - $30 Million
Program Administration - LWI

If we request funding, there is a good chance we will get it.

Project area.




Tom M.

Louisiana Historical Flood Losses: Calling all State Lawmakers

Louisiana is in the process of changing how it manages its floodplains. The Louisiana Watershed Initiative (LWI) has divided the state into 8 Regions. I support this initiative. What we were doing in the past was not working. We as a state are still figuring out how to make this work.

Watershed Regions - See Regional Maps

We need State Lawmakers involved in these watershed regions. I recommend you request a map from LWI illustrating the historical damages in your respective watershed regions. You need to see all the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Flood Insurance (NFIP) claims and all the FEMA Individual Assistance (IA) to get a true picture. The NFIP flood claims doesn’t tell the whole story. Many people can't afford flood insurance. So those losses aren’t represented in the NFIP data. They can be made visible with IA data. This will help you help these regions focus their flood mitigation efforts. 

Equity for all the people:

There is a term we use called “repetitive flood loss structure”. These are structures that participate in the FEMA flood insurance program that have multiple claims based on some parameters. There are a number of ways to look at this data. One way would be to evaluate how many dollars have been paid out over a specified period or years. Another way is to look at how many times a family has been flooded out of their home for the same period.

There is a difference. If structure A has a household income of $95,000. and structure B has a household income of $38,000., the impact to the family is not the same. How much geography in Louisiana is considered Low and Moderate income. I worry about how our federal policies perform in these Low and Moderate-income areas. A satisfactory BCA can be hard to reach.  DISASTERS DO NOT IMPACT FAMILIES EQUALLY

We need risk reduction across the State of Louisiana. The strategy must address coastal and inland Louisiana. It cannot be one without the other.

South Louisiana Lawmakers:

Inland Louisiana, specifically Northeast Louisiana will be here for your people should a storm approach the coast. We have always been here for you. As Coastal Louisiana endures land loss from subsidence, sea level rise, erosion, rising flood insurance cost, loss of insurance companies, higher power bills and the continued impact from tropical systems, families will continue to move inland. Our efforts to reduce flood risk in Northeast Louisiana will help our people and yours.

If there are any lawmakers among you that dont we need help with our flood risk, please educate them.

Source: FEMA, NOAA, NHC and local knowledge

Provided by NOAA

Tom M.

Christmas on the "Silver Water"

If you are new to the area, get ready. You have not experienced Christmas until you have spent your holiday season on the land of the “Silver Water.”

Located in the Ouachita River Valley in Northeast Louisiana, it was first explored by Hernando de Soto in 1542. The first organized government was formed in 1783. Ouachita Parish was established in 1807. The Choctaw Tribe meaning of Ouachita is “Silver Water.”

Our Christmas Traditions are connected to the Ouachita River “Silver Water.”

There is no official Christmas memo on when the celebrations begin. It can be triggered by a number of things. Sometimes it’s the first strong cold front. Or the radio starts playing Christmas music 24/7. If someone puts up their Christmas tree early. If city employees are spotted putting up Christmas decorations, that can do it.

If the celebrations haven’t begun by the time the Christmas Parade and Fireworks schedule is announced, consider this the Christmas Celebration memo. But when it starts, its ‘Whoville” until January.

More than fifty years ago the Howard Griffin Family opened a boat and toy store on the Monroe riverfront. People would travel from miles around to buy toys and Christmas tree decorations. This community minded business forever connected our Christmas Holidays traditions to the Ouachita River.

Downtown West Monroe and Monroe are decked out in Christmas décor, accented with holiday paintings from our local artists. People are scurrying around, shopping, dining, attending Christmas parties and Christmas plays at church and school. Candy cane Lane is always a favorite. There is so much to do.

In early December we go into “snap count.” Movies every weekend downtown. The Elf and the Grinch cannot be missed. The Cameron Diaz movie “The Holiday,” doesn’t play downtown but should be on your list.

The true meaning of Christmas is never lost in the land of the Silver Water. It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

Monroe City Hall 2021

Tom M.

Ouachita Green Added Value

The community never looked so nice as it does in 2023. Ouachita Green, their partners and volunteers intended to clean the place up and make it nice. They've removed thousands of pounds of litter. But what they did is so much more than that.  

I have my own working definition of art. Creating something of value from nothing is art. So, by my definition businesses producing a product from scratch is art.

Let me show you something.

The community has never been cleaner, ever. We have been given back our geography as a clean canvass for businesses to grow and job creation. By my definition this is art. Sculptures now dot our landscape with a splash of color from the murals. Then there are all the cultural happenings and traditions. Our recreational opportunities on the canvass are expanding. The private sector continues to invest in our community. Local governments are making significant headway on infrastructure improvements. Environmental damage from household hazardous waste is continually being mitigated.

In this instance, the added value may have exceeded the goal. What an awesome return on investment. Thank you to Ouachita Green, Keep Ouachita Parish Beautiful, Keep Monroe Beautiful, Keep West Monroe Beautiful, Keep Louisiana Beautiful and Keep America Beautiful.

Tom M.

LOUISIANA FLOOD CONTROL LEGISLATION: MODERN DAY NOAH'S ARK

The story of Noah’s Ark is my all-time favorite Bible story. Noah was given specific instructions on how to build the ark. Built from cypress and coated with pitch inside and out, the ark’s profile would have looked enormous against the horizon. Noah and his family filled the ark with two of each living creature, male and female. The rain came for forty days and forty nights. The earth was flooded, and all was lost. The ark came to rest safely upon the mountains of Ararat. The earth would now have a second chance.

I have always said, "Noah’s Ark was the world’s most successful flood mitigation project." Noah knew a flood was coming. He listened to the warnings of what was ahead, he was provided construction plans and took action to mitigate the flood. 

While Louisiana has plenty of cypress, the ark we need in 2022 is legislation. In 2011, Northeast Louisiana was protected from the Mississippi River by levee’s that were legislated to be built following the 1927 flood. The State has grown since the early 20^th Century. Our hazards and risks have changed. We need new comprehensive legislation that establishes a risk reduction strategy and guides investments to reduce inland and coastal flooding. 

I encourage our best and brightest to inform our lawmakers on the need for risk reduction across the State of Louisiana.

We know a flood is coming. We need to take action.

Photograph from the National Weather Service - The great Mississippi River flood of 1927. Refugees in camp near the Louisiana Monument during the Great Flood of 1927 at the Vicksburg National Military Park.

Source: The Bible, Local knowledge

                                                                                                               ©2022 Tom Malmay

Tom M.

OUACHITA RIVER VALLEY RENAISSANCE: A 21ST CENTURY AWAKENING OF CULTURE AND BUSINESS

The recovery from the Great Flood of 2016 gave rise to a period of community rebirth. Officials worked on flood mitigation strategies, housing, infrastructure, economic recovery, health, and natural and cultural resources. With the rebuilding underway, public meetings were held and people’s concerns and ideas were heard. In those early days of the recovery, you could sense the call to action for change. That sense of urgency still exists. 

The political landscaped also changed during this period. And people were noticeably more interested in cultural happenings and civic events. The private and public sector continued to invest in the community. Progress was being made. In August 2020, real estate developer and State Representative Michael Echols all but declared a Renaissance. 

Public art, poetry readings, photography, live musical performances, freedom of speech exercises, and being different are now a permanent part of our cloth. We can never go back.

Beginning in 2020, the region experienced a prolonged period of adversity that threatened all the progress made. The community was impacted but our resilience won. Despite the pandemic, hurricanes, tornadoes, flash flooding, and a winter storm, public and private investments continue. All things cultural are flourishing.

The community investments in infrastructure, economic development and culture continue at a never-before-seen tempo. Our leaders understand the linkage between business and culture, and they are leveraging.

People will visit our region to experience the art, food, wineries, cultural happenings and great outdoors. Remote workers and businesses will be attracted here for all the afore mentioned amenities. 

The culture - business blend model is spreading in the Ouachita River Valley. Be looking for investment opportunities. 

Monroe-West Monroe Area

Source: Local knowledge

                                                                                                                         ©2022 Tom Malmay

Tom M.

A Thousand Walls: A prayer for jobs in the Louisiana Delta

On June 7, 2022, a praise to God celebration was held at the Henrietta Johnson Recreation Center at 2800 Burg Jones Lane, Monroe, LA 71202. I was asked to pray over jobs and economic development. It was a wonderful evening. Below is my prayer.

Our Heavenly Father, at the beginning of this “Fast” I prayed for you to heal this land from flooding and poverty.

Our leaders are working night and day to bring good jobs to the Delta. Lord, I ask that you give each one of them the strength and wisdom to help your children.  

I pray that you give Kenya Robertson, Kristopher Kelly and Roy Heatherly the strength to breakdown a thousand walls. Share with all the leaders from the Delta the path forward to help your children.

Lord, you know it's hard down here sometimes. A good job solves a lot of problems.

We are here, we will listen, and we will follow.

Amen.

The kids are with Representative Pat Moore, Monroe City School Board Representative Betty Cooper and Senator Katrina Jackson 

__________________________

Kenya Robertson, Monroe Regional Black Chamber of Commerce

Kristopher Kelly, West Monroe West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce

Roy Heatherly, Monroe Chamber of Commerce

LONG-TERM DISASTER RECOVERY IN THE SOUTHLAND: "WE'RE ALL IN THE SAME TRUCK"

It’s in our national interest for communities to be successful in their disaster recovery efforts. This was one of the main reasons FEMA established the National Disaster Recovery Framework (NDRF). Your local long-term recovery framework needs to be strong enough to support passionate discussions and public discourse but not so rigid it suppresses new ideas and innovation. Rebuild your community in a way that reduces risks, promotes quality of life and supports economic development.

The quality of recovery on the Gulf Coast impacts inland communities. People returning to work, healing, rebuilding, community planning, and generating tax revenue are all key indicators of a community recovering.

A while back, I was in a watershed planning meeting going through a presentation on flood claims from the Great Flood of 2016. Someone pointed at the map and asked about the geography that was absent of flood claims. I was waiting on that question. I then showed them the IA claims and stated the population in this area could not afford flood insurance. They applied to FEMA for help in a different program. What followed was a conversation about low and moderate income (LMI) areas, the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) and equity.

Disasters do not impact families equally. Poor people come from all walks of life. There is linkage between breaking the cycle of poverty and breaking the cycle of disaster-rebuild -disaster.

Using the early 2000s as a marker, the frequency and magnitude of natural hazard events is raising questions if not alarms. In Louisiana, we are living from disaster to disaster. This doesn’t seem normal. I have worked in this industry for more than 25 years and I have questions.

I will start by asking if our investments in emergency management are proportional to the increase in frequency and magnitude? Are we attempting to inhabit geography that is uninhabitable? Are environmental conditions changing? Is it temporary or permanent? Are we creating emergency response plans to complex for implementation by humans? Are we appropriately explaining risks to our people?

The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act or as I refer to it “The Stafford Act” has served our nation well over the years. Is it adequate to manage catastrophic events? Is it appropriately designed to manage overlapping active disaster declarations for a common geography?

We need risk reduction across the State of Louisiana. Our lawmakers need to hear from the next generation. We need our best and brightest working on this.

All emergency management practitioner, meteorologists, academia and related fields of study, are encouraged to communicate with their respective lawmakers. Write your lawmaker, participate in a conference call, or attend a public meeting. If you have expertise or a storm story you would like to share, lawmakers need to hear from you.  

Get involved.

NOAA - Climate change increased chances of record rains in Louisiana by at least 40 percent

FEMA Disaster History

Louisiana Lawmakers

Sources: FEMA, USGS, Experience, Local knowledge

Tom M.

Scott McCreery - Same Truck

                                                                                          ©2022 Tom Malmay

IN MEMORY OF LOUISIANA SB 414 AND HB 606: DIED IN THE SPRING OF 2022

Louisiana SB 414 by Senator Fred H. Mills, Jr. is dead. He and others worked hard on this legislation. In Northeast Louisiana Karen Cupit, Lisa Richardson and the Region 3 Watershed Committee worked hard on this initiative. No legislation is perfect. This legislation sought to add structure to statewide risk reduction efforts. The strategy provided for inland and coastal risk reduction. It assembled subject matter experts to manage, and it provided a mechanism for local and state leaders to inject their thoughts and concerns into the process.

As the Louisiana Gulf Coast changes, all of Louisiana must adapt. The time for talk is over. As a strategy, inland risk reduction does two things. 1) It protects families and business and 2) It prepares inland Louisiana to receive coastal populations and businesses as they migrate inland.

A statewide strategy that accounts for the loss of the coast and prepares inland Louisiana is needed. SB 414 put us on a path to develop a strategy. HB 606 would have matured and headed this direction out of necessity. Both are dead.

We will have to work harder to make sure the people of Louisiana have a voice as our geography and risk to all-hazards change.

Northeast Louisiana is committed to helping our coastal families. If a storm threatens the coast, we will be here.

Source: NOAA, FEMA, and Local knowledge

Tom M.

Provided by Hurricane Laura, NOAA

                                                                                               ©2022 Tom Malmay

HCR 124 STATE REPRESENTATIVE LARRY SELDERS HELPING THE PEOPLE

HCR 124 - To urge and request the Legislative Budgetary Control Council to study the feasibility of creating a disaster and assistance relief fund administered by the legislature.

In the last few years there has been countless severe weather episodes that inflicted hardship on families but did not meet the federal disaster declaration threshold. Over the last 20 years Louisiana has seen the nation’s costliest storms. Until we reduce our risk to all-hazards across the State of Louisiana, we need the disaster and assistance relief fund to help our people.

In 2004, a tornado struck Olla, LA and moved Northeast into Caldwell Parish. In the damage path were hardworking people that never ask for anything. The threshold to trigger the FEMA Individual Assistance was not met. I vividly remember the Caldwell Police Jury President telling his congressman, “You got money to help people in other countries, you got money to help Caldwell Parish.” I never forgot that meeting. Dale Powell was the Homeland Security Director. He did an awesome job.

A few weeks later a tornado touch down in Southern Arkansas just across the Louisiana border. There was at least one fatality and injuries. Within days Governor Huckaby could be seen helping his people with monetary assistance. The State of Arkansas has a State Disaster Relief Fund. Due to the number of tornadoes and flash floods, Arkansas needed the fund to help its citizenry in cases where the threshold for federal assistance is not met.

In Louisiana we are so fortunate to have volunteer organizations like the United Way, Salvation Army and American Red Cross. They are always there to help us. These awesome organizations do not relieve the State of Louisiana of its responsibilities to help our people.

Until Louisiana reduces its risk to all-hazards across the State, we need to establish the disaster and assistance relief fund to help our people.

Thank you, Representative Larry Selders for caring about Louisiana.

Source: Louisiana Legislative website, FEMA, NOAA and local knowledge.

Tom M.

All-Hazards Risk Communications

Following North Louisiana’s 2021 Valentine's Day Winter Storm, and Hurricanes Laura, Delta and Ida, I reviewed many news reports and social media commentary. I have always been interested in what people behavior before the storm and what they did to prepare. I read enough to wonder if we as a country need to review how we are communicating all-hazards risk to our population. Some of our people seemed surprised, even shocked their power and drinking water would be disrupted for two weeks following a category 4 hurricane. I made similar observations in the aftermath of the 2021 winter storm.

The public's role in preparedness and hazard mitigation is paramount. The more adversity families endure, the bigger the task by local and state government. By reducing the burden on families through mitigation and preparedness, the response and recovery efforts become more manageable. We need to mitigate high-risk areas and educate the population on their risks. There is uncertainty ahead. families need to prepare.

The local and state hazard mitigation plans (HMP) have come a long way since the passage of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000. The HMP's do a good job characterizing our hazard history and provide insights into our future conditions.

The population's response to the 2020-2021 hurricanes and winter storm is an indicator we need to review what and how we are communicating to the people on a Blue-Sky day. It may be helpful for the Louisiana Public Service Commission, Louisiana Department of Insurance, the Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Team, Power Companies and others applicable officials to convene a meeting to discuss and update our communication plans.

The general population and business owners need to understand their environment before the storm.

Sources: NOAA, FEMA, media, social media and local knowledge

Tom M.

INLAND LOUISIANA: COASTAL RESETTLEMENT

The Great October Storm of 1893, known locally as the “Cheniere Caminada hurricane,” brought devastation to Southeast Louisiana. Cheniere Caminada was a fishing village located in coastal Jefferson Parish just west of Grand Isle. The horrific storm took an estimated two thousand lives from Louisiana to Alabama. In Cheniere Caminada, many of the 779 deaths were children killed by the surge or crushed by the roofs of their home.

Following the 1893 storm, there was talk of abandoning the barrier island of Grand Isle and the region. I have read accounts from the late 19^th and early 20^th century where communities came together after a calamity to decide to rebuild or move on. The people would gather with leaders from their biggest employer. This would include the bank and the mayor to set a path forward. So, it was not unusual to openly question whether a community should rebuild or not.  

On October 14, 1893, The Times-Picayune, a New Orleans newspaper, published an article titled, “A Region not to be Abandon.” The journalist did a great job promoting the region. He rationalized and compared our hurricane risks to other parts of the country.

"People do not desert California or Charleston because the latter has once been shaken by an earthquake, and in spite of the fact that the Gold State has been repeatedly visited by such terrifying forces. It may be some time before property owners at Grand Isle rally sufficiently to rebuild their improvements, but, sooner or later, they will do so."

                          Times-Picayune excerpt from “A Region not to be Abandon”

Under threat

In 2023, we still rationalize and compare our risks to other States. The people on the Louisiana Gulf Coast have suffered from multiple hurricane impacts, subsidence, coastal erosion and sea levels rise. Long before their recovery from the 2020 and 2021 hurricane seasons is complete, they will likely be struck again by another storm.

Louisiana's coast will look very different in the coming decades. We need to plan and act on a Blue-Sky Day. 

Governor Bluefish

Inland communities need to prepare for the “Governor Bluefish" scenario. In this scenario, families evacuate inland, and the Gulf of Mexico reclaims their land. They have no geography to rebuild upon after the storm passes. They become perpetual evacuees stranded in the host shelter Parish.  

Strategy

At this moment, people are organically relocating themselves. They’re tired and running low on resources and opportunities. A strategy needs to be developed to assist coastal communities with resettlement in a methodical fashion. 

The development of a strategy will take time. Families will need to be stabilized while the plans are being made. 

There is room for families and businesses in Central and North Louisiana.  

Sources: Newspaper.com, NOAA, FEMA and Local knowledge

Tom M.

Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - When The Levee Breaks (Glastonbury 2022)

                                                                                                                     ©2022 Tom Malmay

DISASTERS ARE HARD ON PEOPLE

It is so important we all review our family plans, assemble disaster supply kits, review how we receive information and review family communications. There has never been a more important time to prepare than this moment.

Disasters are hard on people. It's even harder if you don't have a plan.

Many years ago, I was working in a coastal EOC following the landfall of a major hurricane. All the days had run together, no one was sleeping, and it was very tropical. I was at my desk and this lady from logistics tapped on my shoulder and said, "Are you Tom?" I replied, "yes." She said, "I need you to meet this man. He needs some tarps." I said, "As soon as I complete this resource request, I will meet with him."

A few minutes later she came back and said, "Tom you need to come now, he is a business leader, and he needs some help." I said, "okay" and went to meet him. This fella was tall. I'm 5'9" and I had to look up at him. This guy was big.

He said, "Sir, I need some tarps. We need to cover these billboards cause I'm running for President. We need to help the people." I looked at him and felt a slight weakness in my gut. We just stood there for a second, but it seemed like minutes. He then collapsed to the floor and begam sobbing in the fetal position. I looked up and there were two priests standing there. I don't know where they came from. They weren't in the room when I walked in. I looked at the priests and said, "Do something with him, or I'm going to be just like him in about 2 minutes." I then stepped over him like a broken tree limb to resume my duties.

A few days later, I demobilized and went home. About two months later, I woke up at 2 a.m. and remembered stepping over that fella like a broken tree limb. The guilt was eating me. I did not go back to sleep. I called the EM later that morning. They were able to track down the status of that fella. He was okay. No one is sure about the priests that were in the room.

That was so long ago and there have been so many storms since then. These floods and hurricanes are hard on people.

We must reduce our risk to all hazards.

Sources: American Red Cross, Ready.gov, NOAA and local knowledge

Tom M.

Photograph provided by NOAA - The Great Mississippi River Flood of 1927A refugee camp at Vicksburg, Mississippi, on May 3, 1927. This was a nice camp on high ground. Many refugees had to live on the levees for months until the water receded. Monthly Weather Review Supplement No. 29.

                                                                                                            ©2022 Tom Malmay

Catahoula Parish: A champion for change

In February 1893, it was reported in a New Brunswick, NJ newspaper that thousands of people were on the verge of starvation in Concordia and Catahoula Parishes. The floods from the previous summer destroyed their crops and the water remained on the ground so long, it was impossible to plant cotton or anything else. Hundreds of people moved away. Those that remained are said to have sustained themselves on wild game.

Many floods later and a good measure of levee construction, Catahoula Parish is doing better. But with manmade flood control, we have to account for the water we impound. Cities and towns along the Red and Ouachita River continue to develop.

In 2022, Catahoula Parish needs help reducing their flood risk. Fortunately, this community has a flood control champion. Ellis Boothe serves as the Homeland Security Director for Catahoula Parish. He follows a tradition of making sure his community is prepared. The late Debra Renda, another Catahoula Parish Champion followed the same tradition.

A few years ago, I was at a Restore Louisiana meeting being held in Monroe, Louisiana. Ellis was sitting next to me. We listened to the discussions on funding for flood control and the proposed watershed initiative. I turned slightly to see how Ellis was processing the discussion. I could tell he was a bit agitated. A few minutes later, he said, “Tom, I can’t stand it, I have to speak.” I said, “Ellis go do your job.”  

Ellis went to the front of the room and gave us all some medicine that day. He described the water from the Red River, Ouachita River, Black River and the Mississippi River all impacting his community. What he had to say is true. All points north were sending their water to his community. Catahoula Parish was heard that day.

The Louisiana Watershed Initiative has produced some great partnerships. The Catahoula partnership is important to the good people of Catahoula and Ouachita Parishes. Representatives from Ouachita Parish routinely advocate for Catahoula Parish in regional meetings. Ouachita and Caldwell Parish are currently supporting one another on their respective DRA applications.

Ellis still gives us medicine when he walks into the room at a meeting. But it’s a good reminder of what we’re working toward.

NOTE - All my media friends. Contact Ellis Boothe to talk about the river parishes and what needs to be done. 

Thank you, Ellis.

Source: Newspaper.com, Smithsonian and Local Knowledge

Photograph provided by U.S. Wildlife and Fisheries

Tom M.

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

Blue-Sky Planning: Community Preparedness

I woke up and could hear the heavy rain on the roof. I looked at the clock and listened. A few minutes later I looked at the clock again, listening to the rain. I was pretty good at judging how long before we started having problems. It was 1995, and it seemed like every rainfall was a heavy rainfall event. Being a retired Coast Guardsman, I always felt I needed to go to the office in case one of our partners needed something. Just like my old 41’ Search and Rescue boat, when the call it had to work.

The Coast Guard mantra is “Semper Paratus.” It takes commitment to live this mantra. If you’re interest in working in the emergency management field, be sure you understand the commitment to the community before you take the job. Moms, dads and their kids go to bed at night knowing a program is in place.

In 1998, FEMA Director James Lee Witt and Vice President Al Gore introduced “Project Impact” to the nation. I was all in, but not for the funding. My interest was capitalizing on the national risk reduction message and the community products. This program expired in 2000. The program was built on the principles of community partnerships and teamwork. I have always adhered to these principles, so it resonated with me instantly. They stand up in 2022.

If it’s been a while since you got the team together, no worries. This is your opportunity to build a strong 21st Century team to protect your community and reduce future risk from all-hazards. Use the partnership and teamwork principles to build your team. You are the emergency management subject matter expert. Advise your elected officials and take the initiative. Your team will help you advise.

Note – You have a lot of tools we didn’t have in the 1990s, beginning with all the advances in forecasting. In 2022, understand the hazards that threaten us better than ever before. GIS technology is playing a big role in reducing our risk to all hazards. Let's include email, WWW, smartphones and iPads.

Meet with your leadership people one on one. Get consensus on the core issues. This will take a little time. Meet with your elected officials, talk to them about the plan, tell them about the team and get consensus on the core issues. Check in with your attorney and treasurer. Then pull your team together and set a course that ensures you meet your EMPG and other operational requirements. This includes teaching the public to protect themselves, developing volunteer resources and training the team. Hold a press conference when the sun is out and show-off the team.

More than ever before, the community needs to see you preparing and you teaching the people to protect themselves.

Note - Bad days are for implementation. Do your consensus building on a blue-sky day.

The regional planning concept really got its start with an organization called SELSAR in Southeast Louisiana. It was more of a search and rescue organization. In Northeast Louisiana, the idea of Parishes working together came together in an agreement, signed on the deck of the Twin City Queen in the early 1990s. If there was any doubt in the value of regional planning, the 1997 Mississippi highwater took care of it. I have always credited Reynold Minsky, John Stringer, State Representative Francis Thompson and Rick Foster for getting us though that highwater. A more formal document was created in 2004, I think.

The regional network is only as strong as each community in the region. Get your team together, teach the people to protect themselves from all-hazards. There is uncertainty ahead.

I am very proud of the local work going on in NELA.

Sources: U.S. Coast Guard, FEMA and local knowledge

 Tom M.