3 minute read
Commentary
THE GREATER NEW ORLEANS AREA HAS BEEN HIT
by destructive tornados twice in as many weeks. Although last week’s tornado on the Northshore caused relatively minor damage, a powerful EF3 cut a devastating path across the West Bank, the Lower 9th Ward, Arabi and New Orleans East on March 22, killing one person. Hundreds more were left homeless or with badly damaged houses. The economic costs will be significant.
After more than two years of pandemic-related disruptions and two major hurricanes, weather-related catastrophes have become an unwelcome reminder of how tenuous life can be in south Louisiana. Unfortunately, “tornado season” may become as much a part of our lives and lexicon as hurricane season, thanks to climate change. Meteorologists already warn that we could have another band of severe storms moving across the area early this week.
Thankfully, what also has become commonplace is how we respond to such disasters. Like the early lockdowns of the pandemic or the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, once again people across the metro area instinctively rose to the challenge of helping those in need. The outpouring of support for victims of the tornado did not surprise, but it is worth highlighting and praising.
Pirogue’s Whiskey Bayou transformed from a barroom and outdoor drinking space into a hub for relief efforts in Arabi. By early the next day and well before they saw power restored, the bar’s owners Lisa McCracken, Kelly Sheeran and Muriel Altikriti got to work. Initially, they used the food in their kitchen to provide more than 200 free meals for residents and responders. In the ensuing days, food producers like Piece of Meat and Once Around the Kitchen set up a free kitchen on the bar’s property.
Mutual aid groups from the region, many of them created during the early days of the pandemic or immediately after Ida, leapt into action. These groups — as well as individual New Orleanians — quickly began gathering and distributing relief supplies at the bar as well as at churches, other bars and various sites in St. Bernard Parish and New Orleans East.
The Krewe of Red Beans turned its Beanlandia den into a donation depot, collecting cleaning supplies, linens and bedding, children’s goods, contractor bags and basic repair supplies, all of which affected homeowners specifically requested. The group even hired five culture bearers to drive loads of donations to Arabi.
On Monday, March 28, the senior class at Holy Cross High School spent the entirety of the school’s annual senior class retreat in Arabi, rather than in prayerful reflection, helping families clean up, remove debris, salvage valuables, and begin the long task of rebuilding. “It was considered an alternative form of prayer,” one school official noted, “and the guys were there all day helping out. We’re very proud of them.”
At a time when everything feels so uncertain and chaotic, it is a heartening display of community and empathy to see so many respond so quickly and selflessly in the face of tragedy.
PHOTO BY IAN MCNULTY / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE Kelly Sheeran (left) and Muriel Altikriti work without electricity at their Arabi bar Pirogue’s Whiskey Bayou, which became a hub for tornado relief aid.
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