When disaster strikes, hopefully some greathearted Mississippi and Louisiana residents are nearby to make things better fast.

Torrential, flooding rains have drenched large portions of Southwest Mississippi and Louisiana for days now.

Although the potential for floods was predicted days ahead of the first drop of rainfall, natural disasters have a way of sneaking up on all of us.

We often simply think: That won’t happen here.

But devastating, deadly flooding very much became a reality for tens of thousands of nearby residents.

Hundreds of motorists were stranded on Louisiana’s highways; tens of thousands more had to be rescued from flooded houses.

Today, as the water appears to be receding in most of the flooded areas, the number of everyday people who saw a need, rolled up their sleeves and started helping out others is impressive.

From private boaters who got together and formed rescue teams to the myriad of volunteers who have helped provide shelters for those in need, all are appreciated.

Thank God for the volunteers who helped do what they could to help out their fellow men, women and children.