Obviously a lack of leadership.
It is better to get them doing something construtive. Even if you have to pay them to do something in their own self interest.
You, and Hollywood, underestimate the power of moving water. They couldn't get close enough to the levee breach to do any good. Even the Army Corps and National Guard are trying to plug the breeches by lifting in concrete barriers from the air. Anyone close on the gound would be swept away.