Caddo Bossier Parishes Flood Case Study - 3081 Words

Caddo-Bossier Parishes Flooding Case Study Randa Head Embry-Riddle Abstract The Caddo-Bossier Parishes have been hit by a flood in recent months that left thousands of residents in a state of distress. While this did not cause large numbers of fatalities, it does bring up the concern if the area would be ready for such a large crisis. During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the state and country showed how unprepared they were for the aftermath of a natural disaster that left thousands dead. In an instance that this occurred again, it is vital we have educated the population and learned how to react. This case study is covering the mitigation, the preparedness, response and recovery in the case of another flood hitting the area. Caddo-Bossier Parishes Flooding Case Study Flooding has been a major concern in the area of Caddo-Bossier Parishes, especially in the last month where the Red River crested at close to 37 feet on 11 June. This caused the shutdown of major highways, moved people out of their homes, and the Governor of Louisiana, Bobby Jindal, declaring a state of emergency. This has been the highest the river has been in 70 years and is going to have a lasting effect on the 450,000 people that live in this area. (Jones, 2015). The Red River in the Shreveport area has crested 16 times since the major flood of 1945, when the river raised to 38.30 feet. In the last 15 years, the area has seen the river crest a total of 4 times (National Weather Service, 2015). During the