Tribe coordinates with state and local officials on recovery efforts; Paragon Casino Resort to provide meals and daily water deliveries to shelter locations.
The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana and Paragon Casino Resort announces emergency support for residents and families displaced by significant flooding caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur.
The Tribe has requested a State of Emergency Declaration and continues to coordinate with state and local officials regarding emergency response and recovery support. Following the severe flooding, Governor Jeff Landry personally reached out to Chairman Marshall Pierite to offer the State’s assistance and support recovery efforts in Avoyelles Parish. Tribal leadership then met with Governor Landry, and parish, state and Tribal officials discussed ongoing damage assessments, emergency shelter operations, infrastructure impacts and the coordination of available state resources to assist affected residents. The Governor’s Office, in coordination with Avoyelles Parish officials, will work to provide necessary resources through the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), as well as implement mosquito abatement efforts as a precautionary measure following the flooding.
Residents are encouraged to limit outdoor activity during evening and nighttime hours when possible and to take appropriate precautions to protect their pets from increased mosquito activity. Governor Landry emphasized that state agencies will continue working alongside parish and Tribal leaders to identify immediate needs, streamline recovery efforts and ensure available assistance reaches impacted communities as quickly as possible. Residents are encouraged to report storm-related damage by visiting damage.la.gov to assist state and local officials in assessing impacts and coordinating recovery resources.
“We are doing everything we can at this current time to bring as much relief as we can,” said Governor Landry during a press conference. “The amount of rainfall was simply historic. … This is going to be a complete community effort and a neighborhood effort.”
“Our Tribe has always understood that we are part of a larger community, and in moments like this, we have a responsibility to step forward,” said Chairman Marshall Pierite of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana. “Families across Avoyelles Parish are facing urgent needs, and we are committed to doing everything possible to help residents find support. We appreciate Governor Landry’s attention to this crisis and look forward to working with his administration, parish leaders and emergency response partners to ensure resources reach those who need them as quickly as possible.”
As recovery efforts continue across Avoyelles Parish, the American Red Cross is operating an emergency shelter at the Cochon de Lait Center, located at 1822 L’Eglise St. in Mansura, in response to widespread flooding caused by Tropical Storm Arthur. Tribal citizens in need of emergency assistance should refer to previously issued Tribal communications for designated emergency contact personnel and available resources. Paragon Casino Resort is also providing meal support and daily water deliveries to shelter locations to assist displaced individuals and families during the emergency response.
“Paragon Casino Resort is powered by this community, so when our neighbors are hurting, we are ready to serve,” said Marshall Ray Sampson, Sr., Vice Chairman of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe and General Manager of Paragon Casino Resort. “Providing meals and water to shelter locations is a practical and immediate way we can help families who have been displaced. Our team is coordinating closely with Tribal leadership to make sure those impacted have food, shelter and people ready to support them.”
The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe and Paragon Casino Resort will continue monitoring resource needs, coordinating with state and local officials regarding the emergency declaration status and evaluating additional opportunities to support residents throughout the recovery process. As Avoyelles Parish begins to recover, the Tribe and Paragon remain committed to helping ensure impacted families have access to safety, food, water and support.
Residents are encouraged to follow all guidance from local emergency officials and avoid flooded roadways or unsafe areas. Individuals facing immediate danger should call 911.
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