Recently Southern Louisiana, specifically areas from Baton Rouge through Lafayette, was devastated by flash flooding. No big deal, right? We’ve had hurricanes before. Why weren’t we prepared? The truth is, this was no hurricane, and it wasn’t something anyone could have planned for.

We had days of HEAVY nonstop rain, and when the water rose, it rose fast. In a matter of 10 minutes my house went from having a dry interior to six inches of water inside, and it only grew from there. We didn’t have time to move cars or furniture; we barely had time to get out. In some areas, there was more than 31 inches of rain in 15 hours. Thousands of people have lost everything due to this tragic flood—homes, cars, pets, businesses. Some even lost their loved ones.

Local churches and Greek organizations took action by starting fundraisers and drives before the flooding had even stopped. People were quick to respond, and those who were unaffected have been incredibly generous to those of us who have. I found out that my house was under water while I was out of town. My KD sisters jumped into action immediately by providing me with necessary items and clothes while I was away from home and even more once I was able to return to Lafayette. Since the flood, I’ve been sleeping on my KD sisters’ couches, borrowing their clothes for recruitment and cleaning salvaged items with them.

It’s going to be a long road to recovery in Louisiana. Through all of this devastation, I have felt blessed to be surrounded by such kindness, and I am grateful to have such a strong support system in Kappa Delta.

If you are looking to help, many students have returned to school with nothing and are at risk of dropping out due to financial strain. Monetary donations going towards the University of Louisiana Lafayette students can be made here: Annual Fund – University of Louisiana at Lafayette Foundation and donations for Louisiana State University students can be made here: LSU Student Disaster Relief Fund. Other ways to help include donating essential items like cleaning supplies, shoes, pillows and blankets to organizations like the Red Cross, Salvation Army, United Way and Samaritan’s Purse, who have been distributing items to families in need.

Thank you for your love and support.

Caitlyn Manfre
Gamma Kappa-Louisiana/Lafayette