The people of three states along Gulf Coast of Mexico that include Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi are facing different problems a week later, after the storm named Katrina hit that region. The catastrophe of the Katrina was beyond what we can imagine. This is the biggest natural disaster that occurred in the United States in the past decade. Laotian-American people were among the survivors, and more than 100 of these people are taking refuge in Wat Thammarattanaram, of New Iberia, Louisiana.
In VOA recent interview with Mr. Khamsone Phoumylay, president of the Acadianna Lao Association of New Iberia stated that the Wat Lao Thammarattanaram has been serving as a temporary relief place for these victims, providing shelters, foods and other necessary needs. “This is our third time in providing such need for these people, during the hurricane seasons for the past years.” With help of the local Hurricane Relief organizations along with the Red Cross, 12 elementary school children have already started school. There are also 3 university students that already accepted in Louisiana University in Lafayette. For the elderly folks who needed medical attention have been registered and been seeing local doctors for their condition.
As for the employment, Mr. Khamsone advised these survivors to register with the local employment services. He also mentioned to VOA that in this region there are many seafood based industries, people can work for cash for a temporary period until they are settled for a real employment.
VOA will follow up the Katrina survivors’ progress in the future. And if you would like to donate and help these people, please contact Wat Lao Thammarattanaram of New Iberia, Louisiana.
Wat Thammarattanaram
Mr. Khamsone Phoumylay
7913 Champa Ave.
New Iberia, Louisiana
Wat: (337) 364-3403
Hm: (337)367-5708
Listen to audio for more details