I suppose you're right with the French Heritage. The Cajuns came from Canada- from Acadia actually which is North of Maine and the word "Acadian" went Cajun. And New Orleans itself is named after the city of Orléans (Jeanne d'Arc's place).

On the other hand: a disaster like that in any part of the world will influence all other parts (our gas became even more expensive as it already is )- so who can help should help.