New Iberia, LA
Disaster Description
New Iberia is a large town in the midst of an agricultural region of southern Louisiana. It also services the off shore oil industry. This area is flat land and rises very gradually from the coastline.
Hurricane Rita came onshore September 24, 2005 bringing only minor wind and rain damage. However, six hours after the storm had passed, an 11-foot tidal surge that had build up in the Gulf came on shore. Because of the flat land that gradually rises from the coast, houses as far as 30 miles inland were flooded, damaging the contents and the interior structures. MDS began a project site in new Iberia in January of 2006 and left the area the end of February, 2007.
New Iberia was affected by two more hurricanes in the 2008 hurricane season. Gustav came onshore on the Louisiana coastline on September 1, 2008. Although Gustav's impact wasn't as bad as expected, New Iberia experienced some flooding, wind damage and power outages. A little over a week later, Hurricane Ike hit with a storm surge reminiscent of Rita's. Many homes were damaged all over again.
MDS returned to New Iberia in the winter of 2009 and rebuild three homes. A Partnership Home Program house was completed also. MDS Partnered with Southern Mutual Help Association and volunteers stayed at the Four Corners Community Development Center in Franklin.
The Project re-opened in October of 2009 as an RV program.
Photo Gallery
Project Reports
Weekly Report for New Iberia
April 20, 2009
We had a great turnout yesterday for the dedications of the three homes. There were two TV crews doing interviews. The mayor, council members and inspectors plus a large turnout of neighbors, family and friends of the families...
Category: New Iberia, LA
Map/Directions
Click Here for Interactive Map
This Interactive Map Feature requires a minimum Web browser of Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher, Mozilla Firefox 2.0 or higher, or similar compatible Web browsers. If the Interactive Map Feature link does not load, your Web Browser is probably not compatible. For optimal and proper viewing, it is suggested that you upgrade your Web Browser software before using this feature. If you are not sure of the version of your browser, select Help in the menu bar of your browser and choose About. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Project statistics
New Iberia, LA
MDS c/o Four Corners Community Development Center
1361 Big Four Corners Road
Franklin, LA 70538
Project Director: Jake and Verna Martens
Tel: 337-276-6403
e-mail: newiberia(at)mds.mennonite.net
Project Start Date: January 2006
Project now open as an RV Project
2009 RV Statistics
Volunteers to Date: 8
Jobs Started: 1
Jobs Completed: 0
Project End Date:
Volunteer Information: Please download and read the files listed below if you are planning and preparing for travel to work in New Iberia.
|
