Massive flooding continues to wreak havoc throughout Louisiana in what is being called the "worst U.S. disaster since Hurricane Sandy."
Thousands across the state have lost their homes, belongings, and livelihoods to the floodwaters. At least 13 people have died so far.
In the midst of the crisis, residents are banding together to save their neighbors.
30,000 people have been rescued from their homes and businesses, many by family and friends, others by hundreds of anonymous volunteers — strangers who dropped everything to help others.
They call themselves the "Cajun Navy."
Some drove through the water.
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Many others broke out their boats.
The original "Cajun Navy" set sail 11 years ago, two days after Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans and southern Louisiana.
The recruitment began when a local radio station put out a call for anyone with access to seaworthy craft meet at a local mall.
"They expected 24, 25 boats. Between 350 and 400 boats and people showed up," area journalist Trent Angers told CBS News.
The group rescued an estimated 10,000 people.
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The "Navy" includes amateur volunteers who have been ferrying people, their belongings, and pets to safety.
1,400 pets have been rescued so far.
And dedicated, professional crews got in the water to save animals who couldn't swim to safety.
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Sometimes the worst in nature can bring out the best in humanity.
"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news," Fred Rogers once said, "My mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'"
And the "Cajun Navy" appears to be just the tip of the spear. According to the Red Cross, hundreds of people from all 50 states have already arrived in Louisiana to assist in the relief efforts.
At the end of a long day of rescuing, some of the crews even got to celebrate a little.
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It just might be that the "Cajun Navy" has discovered the secret to defeating disaster:
Loving life and reaching out a hand.