Louisiana Flood Update: Waters Recede, Scope of Disaster Uncovered, How to Help; Texas Under Flood Watch
Louisiana flooding called worst natural disaster in the United States since Superstorm Sandy; Red Cross and other groups now accepting donations in cash, food, water and cleaning supplies.
As Louisiana rains come to cease, conditions in the badly affected areas in the state are still far from over. Authorities say that after the rain come the pain as residents and officials can now see clearly the effects of the deluge.
To date, the flood has killed 13 and damaged 40,000 homes. It has also resulted in the evacuation of 8,400 people to shelters and the rescue of residents and motorists. According to National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Roger Erickson, the main problem was that the flood water had nowhere to go. He added that they had to reissue flood warnings in areas that have shown improvement in the past days.
So far, there are no orders for affected residents to return to their homes. Erickson said that it could take at least three weeks to get all the flood water out to the Gulf of Mexico.
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Areas getting as much as 30 inches of rain
According to NWS, some areas in Louisiana got at least 12 inches of rain while some had as much as 30 inches. There were residents who stayed on their roofs, inside or on top of their cars, and other places where they can escape rising floodwaters. Some evacuation centers even had to move to safer ground because of threatening floods.
Effect of devastation now seen
Rains have stopped in most areas and floods have started to recede, allowing residents to finally see the effect of the flooding for the first time. President Barack Obama signed a disaster declaration Sunday while relief efforts from Federal Emergency Management Agency Head Craig Fugate began to arrive afterwards.
Officials said as of now, more than 70,000 people have filed for individual assistance under the federal disaster declaration. Another 9,000 more have applied for flood insurance.
Worse than Superstorm Sandy
Relief groups from the American Red Cross call the Louisiana flooding the worst natural disaster to hit the country since Superstorm Sandy. For this disaster, Red Cross recruited thousands of volunteers from different states and is starting a massive relief plan that will cost at least $30 million.
Flooding has placed 20 parishes on the deferral disaster zone list. More than a dozen parishes have set overnight curfews to prevent people from getting stuck in flooded roads. Around 14 people were arrested in Livingston Parish because of looting suspicions.
Texas residents on flood alert
Flash flood warnings have been released in Travis County. Authorities from the Austin Fire Department is helping people who were trapped by flood in Southwest Austin. Some roads are being constantly watched, and water pooling the roadways can be seen in crossings. Residents who live near the river were told to prepare for evacuation.
How to help
Those who would like to help may do so by calling Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS, texting "LAFLOODS" to 9099 or by visiting their official site redcross.org.
The United Way of Southeast Louisiana is also accepting food and toiletries, as well as pet food and pet care products. Their stations in New Orleans and Hammond are open. People may likewise donate through their site www.unitedwaysela.org.
Second Harvest Food Bank is assisting victims by sending food water and cleaning supplies. Donations, supplies, and non-perishable food are also accepted. Their site is give-no-hunger.org.
