The Flooding In Winnfield, Louisiana | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The Flooding In Winnfield, Louisiana

A small town girl's thoughts during the flood.

385
The Flooding In Winnfield, Louisiana
Ashley Solet

I never could have imagined that something terrible could happen in the town I grew up in. I had never thought of Winnfield, Louisiana flooding. Before this storm, I watched tragedies on the news. I didn't know the places or people onscreen, and as such, it didn't mean that much to me. This week, however, tragedies became very real to me very quickly. I watched as the homes of people I knew were destroyed, and the National Guard rescued people who had been stranded due to rising flood waters . I wasn't watching the destruction on a TV channel -- I was seeing it all unfold not even a mile down the road.

When I arrived in Winnfield early Thursday morning, there weren't a lot of places underwater. Cole Road, a short distance from my house, was still relatively dry, and the water didn't look like it had started flooding any homes. The rain had pretty much stopped, and I thought the worst had come.

I was wrong. Not even an hour later as I drove back towards Cole Road, what I saw was unrecognizable. Houses were underwater; people were driving around in boats. The sight was so incongruous to me that I almost slammed on my brakes. I knew this neighborhood. I drove by it every day for years, and now I didn't even recognize it. It had become a lake decorated with houses.

This picture, taken by Ashley Solet, shows the flooding that occurred on Cole Road in Winnfield, Louisiana.

Places that I had played and roads I had driven looked like lakes. If I had not known these things had been there, then I would not have noticed the impact of their absence. Seeing homes of people I knew five feet underwater hurt. I could not imagine their pain as their home, with all their memories and irreplaceable belongings inside, filled with flood water in a mere matter of hours.

Everything these people had was now gone, and they had no home to retreat to. Even when the waters recede, they will still feel the effects. This isn't like a flooded road, easily patched. The people affected most by this will not forget the flood as easily as we may. When you lose everything, nothing will ever be the same again. The flood is not some news event. It is a very real tragedy that has impacted thousands of people throughout Northern Louisiana. The effects will be felt for many, many years.

This picture, taken by a Winn Parish resident Marcie Huddleston, shows her camp on Saline Lake.

In face of the tragedy, however, citizens of my town banded together. Facebook was no longer a social media website meant to share funny posts or to debate about politics. It became a hub of crucial information. People posted pictures of flooded roads and bridges so others would know to avoid them. GoFundMe accounts were created in order to help raise money for families that had lost everything. Posts that were about flash flood warnings and shelters for those who had been evacuated quickly became viral. Entire statuses were dedicated to helping people get to their homes. People offered up their houses for people to stay in temporarily while others let people use their boats to return to their flooded homes. People were even willing to donate personal items to give to families who had lost everything.

This picture, taken by Jennifer Beal Clark, shows Ashley Solet rescuing her dogs from her flooded home on Cole Road.

In times of darkness and tragedy such as this, I am grateful that I live in Winnfield, a town that bands together in the face of adversity, is full of people who would rather crawfish in the rising flood water than start riots, and where we embrace each other when we most need it.

This picture, taken by Wendy Reed Carpenter, shows Keary Martin, Daniel Barnett, Brandon Barnett, and Gabe Johnson rescuing a flag from flood waters on Highway 126 in Winn Parish. A marine mom named Carol Gracie from Jackson Parish thanked the young men saying, "Our sons and daughters and their families make many sacrifices to defend our beautiful flag and many times these sacrifices are unappreciated...This speaks volumes for these young men that they would take the time to save our flag from being destroyed in this flood."

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

19632
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

8277
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

6017
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

5212
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments