Louisiana Floods Spreading to Texas as Low Pressure System Moving West (Map, Photos)
Louisiana flooding worsens; more than 7,000 people and pets rescued from their homes and vehicles and five people now confirmed dead. Texas also told to brace for rains and floods.
Louisiana is currently battling the worst flood in the state's history with more than 7,000 people rescued from their homes and vehicles. The rising flood waters also left five people dead.
And as Louisiana braces for more rains in the coming days,National Weather Service warned Texas to get ready as the low pressure system has inched its way to the area.
Gavin Phillips, National Weather Service meteorologist said that there is still a possibility for more floods since quite a number of rivers drain to the Gulf of Mexico. Most of the rivers are still rising and the worst parts are located in East Baton Rouge Parish and the area created by Interstates 55, 10, and 12 plus the Livingston and Ascension Parishes.
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Phillips said that flooding could appear later in the week as the water arrives from south of Ascension to St. James Parish.
U.S. President orders disaster declaration
President Barack Obama issued a disaster declaration for Louisiana on Sunday. Governor John Bel Edwards said that more than 7,000 people as well as hundreds of pets have been stranded because of the unprecedented flooding. They have since been rescued, along with the people marooned in cars, water-filled homes, and flooded hospitals and nursing homes all across the state.
The declaration will make federal aid available for the ravaged parishes of Livingston, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, and Baton Rouge. More parishes could be added to this list according to Gov. Edwards.
It is expected that more rains will come soon from the Gulf Coast towards the Ohio Valley and this prompted the governor to urge people to remain vigilant and to stay inside as much as possible.
The governor further cautioned people that this is not the time to let their guard down.
Helicopter helping stranded people
Louisiana State Police Colonel Michael Edmonson reported that rescue helicopters were not just used for rescuing people from flooded homes, but also for transporting water and food to residents. Aside from this, people who are seriously ill and those that need medical emergency were also first priority.
The Louisiana National Guard has deployed around 1,700 members to aid in the rescue efforts of the authorities.
Five deaths reported
Flash flood watches were in place until Monday in Houston. There were at least five deaths reported in Louisiana because of the rushing floodwaters. The latest victim was recovered Sunday at the Tangipahoa Parish. The body was swept away by the deluge.
A woman's body was likewise recovered inside a car filled with water in the same parish.
On Saturday, another body of a woman was retrieved from the Tickfaw River in St. Helena Parish located northeast of Baton Rouge. The victim was inside her car which was submerged in water.
The fourth casualty was a 54-year old man who died when rushing waters carried his car off the road.
The coroner in East Baton Rouge Parish identified another flood victim as William "Beau" Clark, a 68-year old man who drowned near Baker.
A person is still missing in St. Helena Parish.
