Social Media Exposes Devastating Effects of Louisiana Flood (Multimedia)
Those affected by this week's flooding share pictures and comments amid allegations that the mainstream media hasn’t done enough to cover the catastrophe.It’s been labeled “the worst U.S. disaster since Hurricane Sandy,” yet many are accusing the mainstream media of providing too little coverage of the catastrophic flooding across Louisiana.
The flooding, which began earlier this week, has left at least 13 people dead and tens of thousands homeless. On Friday, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump paid a highly publicized visit to the state, despite a plea from Louisiana’s governor for political figures to avoid photo ops in the flooded areas. “Trump told reporters he came to help out,” reports Bryn Stole of Reuters. “Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards’ office, however, had said Trump did not call to discuss plans.”
Edwards urged Trump to volunteer or make “a sizable donation” instead, although many Trump supporters lambasted his political opponents for failing to appear interested in the devastation:
#Obama has finished his golf game so now he will fit #Flood2016 Lousiana into his plan. #Trump already in there! Helping
— Cookie728 (@midinstructor) August 19, 2016
@krystalth2183 Trump shows compassion and is a real leader. America has seen today who really cares about this great nation. #LouisianaFlood
— Patriot2016 (@PatriotJuly1776) August 19, 2016
Social media, which has played a significant role in times of crisis over the last decade, showed the extent of the catastrophe. Many Twitter users shared images of the flooding and its tragic effects:
What’s happening in Louisiana is heartbreaking. #LouisianaFlood Photo: Andy Badeux pic.twitter.com/XIp2Ztz0C4
— Debbie Allen (@msdebbieallen) August 19, 2016
It’s really real , we had to get airlifted and this is our city ???? #PrayForMyState #LouisianaFlood pic.twitter.com/tdJC921nJR
— jaida lashe (@jaidalasheeeee) August 14, 2016
Nursing home evacuated as rivers rise #LouisianaFlood pic.twitter.com/U1JQXJncOT
— Gabe Gutierrez (@gabegutierrez) August 14, 2016
Of all the things I thought I’d wake up and do today, this was the last thing on the list. #LouisianaFlood pic.twitter.com/7KH79XK7My
— F@tt M@tt (@Mwfontenot17) August 14, 2016
#LouisianaFlood Glen Oaks area pic.twitter.com/X6OwQ8D7FN
— Pressure? (@asiaared) August 14, 2016
My student’s house in #DenhamSprings #LouisianaFlood Lord have mercy. Rain still coming. pic.twitter.com/3KS5bAJW9C
— Patti (@profpatti) August 14, 2016
The rain is not stopping. Keep praying for everyone here. #LouisianaFlood pic.twitter.com/GMUybxOuYI
— Coach Andrus (@coach_andrus) August 13, 2016
This is so hard to process. Everything was dry yesterday. No water even near the house. #LouisianaFlood @WAFB pic.twitter.com/6nCWPnfa2R
— Rachel Richlinski (@RachRichlinski) August 14, 2016
Other users shared evidence of people working to help those affected by the flooding:
“Self below team. Team below Louisiana. That’s who they chose to play for.” Amen @LSUCoachMiles! #LouisianaFlood pic.twitter.com/5RwAxVKGg7
— LSU Soccer (@LSUSoccer) August 16, 2016
Our firemen sleeping on concrete to be ready to rescue more people. #LouisianaFlood pic.twitter.com/E2cH9WAJPH
— angie67 (@AngelaJeannice) August 14, 2016
Flooded out car was in middle of driveway; @RaginCajunsFB helped move it to one side. #LouisianaFlood pic.twitter.com/Q31slI8RvH
— Ragin’CajunsFootball (@RaginCajunsFB) August 16, 2016
Danielle DeCourcey of ATTN pointed out the lack of mainstream media coverage of the disaster. “The coverage has been so lackluster that Liz Spayd, the public editor of The New York Times, admitted that her publication was ‘weak’ in its coverage,” DeCourcey notes. Chris Frink, director of the Louisiana Democratic Caucus, explained the importance of the relationship between media coverage and donations. “[T]he density and intensity of media coverage, especially cable and broadcast news, did drive the donations,” he stated.
So far, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Guard and local emergency responders all have participated in aiding the flood-stricken areas. According to CNN meteorologist Dave Hennen, “[r]iver levels are expected to continue to fall, but some will remain in flood [stages] at least through the weekend.”
—Posted by Emma Niles
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