A Family Recovers From Hurricane Isaac
Heartbreaking. The Martinez family in Braithwaite, Louisiana, is putting the pieces of their fifth hurricane-destroyed home back together.
The Martinez family spent this Labor Day salvaging items from their dismantled home in Braithwaite, Louisiana.
Melanie Martinez and the family cat, which has been renamed Isaac. The cat survived six days without food.
When Hurricane Issaac hit last week, the family’s car broke down and they were forced to stay in Plaquemines Parish, where water quickly began rising over a levee. They were rescued by a neighbor who broke through the attic roof.
Melanie Martinez, Eric DeSalvo, Philip Martinez and Kala Martinez.
This is the fifth home the Martinez family has seen destroyed by hurricanes. Earlier this year, the home was renovated on the reality show Hideous Houses.
Melanie Martinez with a fish she found in the house.
The Braithwaite community was hit harder than any other in Louisiana. The flood put two-story homes under water, and left dead animals and coffins washed up on front lawns.
Officials say Isaac damaged at least 13,000 Louisiana homes. Overall hurricane recovery will likely exceed $2 billion.
![[link]](http://s3-ak.buzzfed.com/static/images/public/icons/external-link2.png){kind=icon}
Special Reactions
Your Reaction?
GET STARTED