UNO students struggle with 'helplessness' in wake of Louisiana flooding

Communities in New Orleans and UNO have done their best to connect, help and cope.
Communities in New Orleans and UNO have done their best to connect, help and cope. | File photo
Several students at the University of New Orleans have struggled with feelings of “helplessness” as their families and loved ones endure the aftermath of flooding throughout the state of Louisiana.

Sarah Breland, a junior English major, and Ashli Prosperie, a junior earth and environmental studies major, are among the students. Breland has spent her weekends going to Denham Springs, where she helps her family as they clean and rebuild their home. Prosperie wishes that she had more to donate to flooding victims.

Together, they have led an effort to gather a collection for flooding victims throughout the state.

“I just didn’t want to sit around and be like, ‘Poor them,’” Propserie said. “But I don’t have a boat. I couldn’t go to Baton Rouge. I don’t have much to donate.”

The Louisiana flooding has severely damaged a nine-parish area. Experts estimate that it has resulted in over $20.7 billion in damage. Over 60,000 homes have been destroyed, leaving over 3,000 people living in shelters. The American Red Cross has said this is the worst natural disaster that the U.S. has seen since Hurricane Sandy.

The communities in New Orleans and UNO have done their best to connect, help and cope as others deal with the loss and damages.