“We’re not going to impede anybody getting out of here, but at the same time we’re a law enforcement agency, so we still have to conduct our duties."

Storm surges and flooding in Orleans and parishes nearby this fall can be at least partly blamed on El Nino. This year's weather event is believed to be the most intense of its kind since 1997 or earlier, creating hazards for Louisiana's coastline.

Just days into the crisis, the American public realized that the human and animal tragedies were bound together, and they were rooting for all to survive and get back on their feet.