Louisiana Flooding Photo Slideshow: Over 7,000 Rescued in Unprecedented Flood
Unprecedented flooding in central and southern parts of the U.S. has affected thousands of residents and has rendered roads impassable; thousands of families rescued and evacuated from homes and vehicles, as rescues continue round the clock.
Shocking photos reveal how Louisiana flooding has turned the lives of thousands of residents into completely unbelievable conditions. Experts blame it on torrential rains that fell along the U.S Gulf Coast, which caused unprecedented flooding across the central and southern Louisiana areas during the weekend.
There have been three reported deaths because of this historic flooding. Around 7,000 people have been rescued from their homes and businesses. State of emergency has been declared by Gov. John Bel Edwards, who was also forced to leave the Governor's Mansion in Baton Rouge because of a flooded basement.
Stranded motorists and residents
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Aside from people rescued from their homes, there have been an increasing number of people rescued from their vehicles. Motorists were stranded along major highways because of the severe floods while numerous roads leading and coming from the flooded areas remain closed.
Governor Edwards warned residents that this is not the time to let their guards down. He also told people not to get out of their homes to sightsee. He pleaded residents to remain safe because the water might rise in many areas in the next days.
Red Cross and other shelters set up, rescues done round the clock
Red Cross shelters and other government-run evacuation centers have been set up since Saturday night to welcome residents. Marketa Garner Walters, secretary of the state Children and Family Services Department revealed that the rescue centers were able to welcome more than 5,000 people since they opened.
It has been reported that more than 1,700 rescue personnel are working day and night to assist residents and motorists. The Louisiana National Guard said that additional 800 personnel will be deployed in the area. Coast Guards sent helicopters to assist people who have been trapped on their rooftops, trailers, and cars.
Three dead, one missing
Three people were reported dead because of the floods. These deaths were due to the rushing waters carrying the victims away from their homes. A fourth victim was reported to be missing along St. Helena's Parish where flood waters are also deep.
Even fire fighters were affected by severe flood waters. The Baker Fire Department in East Baton Rouge Parish had no other choice but to evacuate their headquarters because their fire engines were stalled in flood water. Fire Chief Danny Edwards said that the station was in several feet ofwater so it had to set up elsewhere.
Undetermined number of damaged homes and properties
Gov. Edwards revealed that they are still unsure as to how many homes and properties have been damaged due to the floods. He only gave an estimate saying "it's in the thousands."
Heavy rains started Friday with a record-breaking 6 to 10 inches of rain along the southeast areas of the state. More rain fell Saturday and more is expected in the next days according to the National Weather Service.
The Amite River in Denham Springs has reached dangerous levels and is estimated to increase 4 ½ feet from its record. Meanwhile, Livingston Parish was completely cut off and was reported to be the hardest hit. There were also hundreds of motorists trapped in their vehicles with nowhere to go along the highway.
Roads closed and curfews set up
State Transportation Department reported more than 100 roads were closed across Louisiana. Curfews were ordered in Jefferson Davis Parish because so many roads that were completely impassable. This is to prevent motorists from getting stranded in their vehicles overnight.
