Cameron Louisiana Destroyed-My Father's Hometown

[Mortos]

It looks like not everyone in my family escaped hurricane Rita unscathed. The small coastal towns of Cameron and Creole Louisiana have been virtually decimated. My father's hometown, Cameron, was 80% leveled according to some reports.

“I would use the word destroyed,” Army Lt. Gen. Russel Honore said of Cameron. “Cameron and Creole have been destroyed except for the courthouse, which was built on stilts on higher ground. Most of the houses and public buildings no longer exist or are even in the same location that they were.”

No one has been able to reach my father since Saturday, when he was going to try to return to his home, by boat if neccessary, to see what kind of damage was done. My Uncle and Aunt's house is probably gone in Grand Chenier as well as my Great Uncle's home in Cameron. My step-Grandparents lived on the road to downtown Cameron. I have many cousins and distant relatives living in that area as well. I attended Cameron high school my freshman year.

I am still waiting to see hear from them or anyone that can tell us what has happened there. If anyone is in the area and can tell me what is going on here is some information:

My father's name is Ron Vincent and his wife is Sharon. They live in Sweetlake. My Aunt and Uncle are Dan and Mona Theriot they live in Grand Chenier. My Step-Grandparents are Ethel and Redmon Theriot, the live in Cameron. My cousin's name is Delaine Theriot and she lives in Cameron. My brother ran the hospital emergency room in Cameron and has recieved information that it has been destroyed. He is safe.

Texas has been declared a disaster area but these small towns along the southwestern coast of Louisiana have been ignored by FEMA and the federal government. “This is the worst thing I’ve ever been through,” said Danny Hunter, 56. “I called FEMA this morning, and they said they couldn’t help us because this hasn’t been declared a disaster area.” “Texas is a disaster area!” Jenny Reading shouted. “I guess the president made sure of that, and everyone just forgot about us.”

My Grandfather, Dallas Vincent, was killed in Cameron nearly 50 years ago by hurricane Audrey while lifting my father to safety from the floodwaters.

Fema fails the people most in need again.

[greatauntoftriplets]

1. Mortos...I have no word that I can say to you that will relieve your pain.

But please know that I will think of your family and pray that they are all right. I know that that area of Louisiana was devastated.

[John Q. Citizen]

2. Man oh man. my heart goes out to you and your loved ones

I hope your father is OK and you can reconnect soon.

[txindy]

3. I hope you find your family soon and that they're all safe.

I haven't a clue what FEMA is doing. If they're in Texas, they must be hiding. The people who need them here aren't seeing them, either. I know that SW LA was hardest hit and I hope you see some help and results quickly. I don't know that FEMA will be part of that solution, however. Now there's news that Michael Brown has been re-hired by FEMA, this time as a consultant to investigate why he did not act after Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast! I cannot believe this!! :grr:

[spuddonna]

4. I hope you hear something soon...

Your family will be in my prayers and my thoughts...

[jobycom]

5. It's like losing a family member, isn't it?

I'm from Gulfport, and my parents are both from New Orleans. Sympathies. If you find yourself choking up with grief and frustration, let it out. It will just build if you try to talk yourself out of it.

You should log into the local TV station if you haven't done so, and see if you can find a radio station on the air or web from the region. In New Orleans and Gulfport the stations all allowed people to call in with requests to find loved ones. Also, blogs can help. Try the Lake Charles television station, and see what you can find from there.

And don't panic. It took me until Wednesday night to hear from my parents after Katrina hit Monday morning. Phones are out--that doesn't mean anything bad happened to them, specifically.

[Karenina]

20. Jobykins...

As you well know, there were so many small coastal communities between Gulfport and Biloxi populated by simple, hard-working multi-ethnic folks who have SIMPLY DROPPED OFF THE RADAR SCREEN. Thousands upon thousands of people and NOT A FUCKIN' PEEP about their fates or if the survivors' needs are being attended to. :wtf: Gibt's doch nicht, Jobycom! A MONTH HAS PASSED!!! GIBT'S FICKEN DOCH NICHT!

[Lisa]

6. I'm so sorry ...

I hope that you get some good news soon. A lot of people up here in Canada are especially horrified by the disaster, because we recognize a lot of the family names (many of us have French-Canadian friends and colleagues). One of my Quebecois friends asked me if I thought that one reason why the aid has not been getting through is because so many people who need it have French surnames. I really hope this is not the case!

[Mortos]

7. I believe they aren't getting help

because these are towns of 2000 people are less. They are middle class and lower for the most part and they aren't newsworthy. It makes me sick.

[Lisa]

12. "aren't newsworthy" -- "aren't worthwhile"

If they were some well-to-do gated community, I bet FEMA would be singing a different tune, even if there were only a hundred people stranded.

What an awful thing for your family. It surely is adding insult to injury.

[Karenina]

19. Mortos...

Just a ((((((BIG HUG)))))) from across the big pond and a promise that your plight will be broadcast by word of mouth here.

[Feron]

8. Here are two messageboards set up for Hurricane Rita...

KPLC (Lafayette and Lake Charles TV station):
http://ritaforums.worldnow.com/groupee/forums/a/frm/f/7531073

KATC (Lafayette TV station):

http://www.katc.com/Global/link.asp?L=167258

I just remember from Hurricane Katrina that all communications were down so it may just be taking your family a little longer to get in touch.

Good luck and Best Wishes to you! I hope your family is safe.

[yewberry]

18. HEY!

edit: i'll pm you--I don't want to threadjack.

[nonconformist]

9. I'm so sorry.

I really have no words, except to say you and your family have my heartfelt condolences.

FEMA is the epitome of ineptitude.

Amazing story about your grandfather and Audrey. :(

[Fenris]

10. You and your family will be in my thoughts.

:hug:

[jaxx]

11. I wish you and your family the joy of reunion.

[Catherine Vincent]

13. Sorry to hear about what happened.

It really has to suck to lose your town and start over again.:-(

[Benhurst]

14. Thanks for posting this. My thoughts are with you and yours.

Please keep us posted.

:grouphug:

[mike_c]

15. oh man, best wishes and godspeed to your father and relatives....

I hope you find out what happened soon.

[flamingyouth]

16. Mortos, I am so sorry to hear this.

What a heartbreaking story. :(

[qanda]

17. I can only kick this and hope that you hear from your relatives soon

I'm so sorry.

[nadinbrzezinski]

21. kick

[Lindsay]

22. I hope you hear from your family soon.

And I hope the people of the area get the help they need in putting their lives back together.

[IdaBriggs]

23. Kicked, nominated and hoping for good news....nt

[Rainscents]

24. I'm so sorry, my heart goes out to you and yours. Is there anything

we can do, please let us know. :hug:

[CottonBear]

25. I am so sorry for your family's losses. Be strong.

I know what it's like to be out of touch with your family. Mr. CB's family had to evacuate from St. Tammnay Parish. They are more fortunate in that their house didn't flood.
:(
Hopefully, General Honore will send help. FEMA is run by idiots.

Someone posted about message boards for you area. Be patient and wait. Check the boards. It took our family several days to get in touch and then it was a message sent out by ham radio because all of the cell and land lines were out.
:hug: