Morganza The floodgates opened for the first time in 38 years to allow divert water from the Mississippi River to the Atchafalaya Basin . This work was done by Army engineers, who opened the gates of the spillway along the swollen river, to avoid coming to Baton Rouge and New Orleans, but sending flooding homes and farms in the region Cajun, Louisiana. 25,000 people and 11,000 structures could be in jeopardy after being open the Morganza spillway for the first time in 38 years. Marshals and National Guardsmen walked from door to door to warn people of this flood in the area.
The shelters were ready to accept up to 4,800 evacuees, said Gov. Bobby Jindal.
Some people living in the threatened section of field-an area known for small farms fishing areas and a pro-French dialect, and have begun to flee to higher ground. "Now is the time to evacuate," Jindal said. "Now is the time for our people to implement their plans. That water comes, "he added.
opening was expected to launch a flood spillway which could submerge some 7,800 square kilometers (about 3,000 square miles) with floods of up to 7.6 meters (25 feet) deep in some areas. The measure, however, will reduce the downstream pressure on the levees that protect New Orleans, Baton Rouge and numerous oil refineries and chemical plants located along the Lower Mississippi.
"Protecting lives is the top priority," said Major General of the Army Corps of Engineers, Michael Walsh, at a press conference.
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