Morganza Spillway Opening in Louisiana to Save Baton Rouge, New Orleans

After opening the Bonnet Carre Spillway last May 9th, 2011, officials have also decided to open the Morganza Spillway today, in an effort to spare Baton Rouge and New Orleans inevitable flood damage which would otherwise occur. While the clear majority of Louisiana residents would agree the two cities are worth saving, the costs to those affected are tremendous.

According to WWLTV.com, the event, which occurred at 3:00 p.m. today, marks the second time the Morganza Spillway needed to be opened, the last time being 1973. Out of the 125 bays, only one was opened today. Authorities anticipate opening one or two more on Sunday, May 15th, 2011.

In a report from CNN, it's the community of Butte La Rose, Louisiana soon to be under-water, to an expected depth of 15 feet, within 48 hours. Those waters aren't expected to clear out until mid-June. Approximately 800 households are going to be affected, in this community alone. Altogether, 25,000 people are expected to be displaced, mostly from the ares traditionally known as "Cajun country." But with flood-waters around Baton Rouge already reported at nine feet, Louisiana officials and the Army Corps of Engineers have no other reasonable choice.

Engineers in charge have pre-determined the Morganza Spillway will be opened when the volume reaches 150,000 cubic feet of water. At full capacity, Morganza can transfer 600,000 cubic feet of water per second. The initial opening today released the initial 125,000 cubic feet per second.

As for those residents of Louisiana affected by the opening of the Morganza Spillway, they'll either need to get to other locations with family out-of-town, or to take advantage of the 3,000 beds made available by the Red Cross and other disaster assistance programs. If readers are able to, please consider giving to established charities, serving families in the various communities.

Originally published here.