United Houma Tribe Hunkered Down in the Louisiana Bayous as Isaac Hits with Brunt Force

Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief in Native Challenges. Discussion »

GOLDEN MEADOW, LOUISIANA – Principal Chief Thomas Dardar, Jr. of the United Houma Tribe was hunkered down at home as he and his tribe began to feel the effects of Hurricane Isaac found its way to the Louisiana bayous overnight.

Early Storm Damage in the Houma Community

Hurricane Isaac is the worst storm since Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans seven years ago today.

Principal Chief Dardar lives some 50 miles southwest of New Orleans in Terrebonne Parish. The United Houma Tribe, a state recognized tribe, has 17,000 tribal members who live in the pathway of Hurricane Isaac.

“I have been talking to people in different districts. We are prepared,”

Principal Chief Dardar told the Native News Network Tuesday night.

“I will probably be up all night. I already heard from one tribal council member who had a tree come down.”

As he talked, heavy rains and heavy wind gusts were swirling outside his home.

“Wind gusts are between 70 - 80 miles per hour,”

stated Principal Chief Dardar.

“One thing I was told is the Mississippi River has been low this summer due to the drought. So, flooding may not be quite as bad this time.”

The eye of this hurricane stretches 100 miles wide that causes the storm to move a slow pace. With the lingering journey, more rain will drench the region. The prolonged duration may mean the impacts of the hurricane may be not be known for days.

Even with the long duration, Principal Chief Dardar will monitor the impact as fast as he can.

Update

GOLDEN MEADOW, LOUISIANA – Principal Chief Thomas Dardar, Jr. reports they just lost power… He is going to begin checking on his tribal members… trees are down… Although concerned, Principle Chief stated they're quite a ways away from where the levee broke.

posted August 29, 2012 6:00 am edt