Louisiana Flooding Update: Body Found in Baton Rouge; Map of Affected Areas, Evacuation Centers and How to Help
Louisiana flooding death toll is up to 7, after a body was found in the Baton Rouge area; evacuations are set up and help is badly needed.
The latest death toll count in the Louisiana flooding is now seven, after a body was pulled from the floodwaters in Baton Rouge.
According to spokeswoman Casey Rayborn Hicks of the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office, a volunteer was patrolling along the floodwaters when he spotted a body along the area of the Greenwell Springs Library.
The way the victim died and identification will be revealed later as they still await the report from the coroner's office. Officials who are tracking the flooding could not ascertain if the death was because of the flood.
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Response from Gov. Edwards
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said in an interview that he is proud of what has been done so far, even if the storm and the floods presented terrible challenges. Edwards visited areas that were affected in Lafayette, in south central Louisiana.
He further told people to remain in their homes, be patient and to enter areas that have been flooded only when authorities say they're safe. He stressed that most of the rescue personnel are still in the process of responding to emergency situations and therefore may not immediately respond to their needs.
Ascension Parish prepares for the worst
As floodwaters flow further south, areas such as Ascension Parish braces for more floods. Rising waters are dumped in streets and homes. Meredith Conger, Planning and Intel Officer in the area said that Ascension Parish has experienced tremendous backwater flooding since floods and water from the Amite River has nowhere else to go.
In the next six or more hours, areas of Galves, St. Amant, Prairieville, as well as Sorrento will be flooded. Residents from the area of Ascension Parish were told to evacuate.
Shelters put up and help is welcome
Around 11,000 people were sleeping in shelters since the floods started in Southern Louisiana. More and more people continue to arrive to escape the terrible deluge. Some shelters were also threatened to go under water.
Makeshift shelters were even put up in a film studio complex in East Baton Rouge. This shelter alone was estimated to have more than 2,000 evacuees.
Residents who wanted to help drove to shelters, bringing food like rice, cooked red beans and jambalaya to help evacuees. Some people took evacuees into their own homes when centers are filled to the brim.
How to help
To provide assistance to the flood victims, contact the following organizations:
The American Red Cross in Louisiana – Red Cross has set up shelters, which provides meals for evacuees as well as a dry place to sleep. Donations are welcome here. People may also text LAFLOODS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. The Red Cross is also looking for volunteers.
Volunteer Louisiana - Those who can assist in the response and recovery efforts may email nauck@crt.la.gov.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana – The organization welcomes donations in cash and in kind. It is currently distributing food, water and supplies to evacuees and victims.
The United Way – People are invited to volunteer or to simply make a donation through United Way of Southeast Louisiana. Those who need help may dial 211, a hotline that works 24/7.
