Planet Money
There Will Be Flood
Dec 6, 2024
Windell Curole, a dedicated advocate for flood protection in southern Louisiana, shares his remarkable journey of defiance against federal regulations. He reveals how he took matters into his own hands after Hurricane Katrina, constructing levees taller and quicker than permitted. The conversation dives into the cultural identity of Cajun Country and the urgent environmental challenges faced by the community. Curole’s bold choices highlight the tension between local needs and bureaucratic obstacles in disaster management, making for a gripping discussion on resilience and preparedness.
31:17
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Quick takeaways
- Wendell Curole's decision to independently raise levee heights exemplifies the tension between local urgency and federal regulations in disaster preparedness.
- The successful protection of South Lafourche during Hurricane Ida demonstrated the effectiveness of Curole's innovative approach to flood defense despite governmental constraints.
Deep dives
Wendell Curall's Background and Commitment
Wendell Curall, a lifelong resident of southern Louisiana, has dedicated over four decades to protecting his community from hurricanes. Growing up in a region where historical hurricanes have devastated towns, he understands the critical need for effective flood defenses. After taking charge of the South Lafourche Levee District, Wendell recognized that building levees was not merely a job but a matter of life and death for his community. His commitment to serving and safeguarding this area shaped his work alongside the federal government to enhance the resilience of the levee system.
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