Lafourche Parish - What Happened

Lafourche Parish was affected by three storms in 2005, including Hurricane Cindy in July, Hurricane Katrina in August and Hurricane Rita in September. By far the most dangerous of the three, Hurricane Katrina carried maximum sustained winds of 140 mph, with hurricane-force winds extending over 100 miles from the center of the storm.  Storm surges reached 20 to 30 feet above normal tide levels and brought large battering waves.

Lafourche Parish ordered mandatory evacuations from the southern portion of the parish, requiring over 35,000 residents and more than 6,000 offshore workers to evacuate. In addition, the parish provided mutual aid and support to the residents of Grand Isle during the evacuation process.

The entire southern portion of Lafourche sustained direct impacts from wind and storm surge, including the loss of infrastructure, homes, barrier islands and protective wetlands. Wind damage was experienced throughout the parish, with the greatest concentration along the coast and up Bayou Lafourche as far north as the community of LaRose. Due to the cooperation of both public and private officials, no casualties or injuries were reported.

Secondary impacts on the Parish included population influx; numerous business closures; increased percentage of personal bankruptcies filed; and Increased burden on local medical facilities.