Louisiana Flooding Maps, Update: 911 Not Working in Some Areas, Cell Service Down in Baton Rouge
Louisiana flooding worsens; more than 7,000 people and pets rescued from their homes and vehicles, three people were confirmed dead while one is still missing in St. Helena Parish.
Thousands of lives have been affected by the recent Louisiana flooding and according to the National Weather Service, 1 to 2 inches of rain will continue to fall in the coming hours. Severe rains caused terrible floods and reports say that 911 service is not working in some areas making it difficult to rescue residents and motorists stranded in their homes and vehicles. Cell service was also reported to be down in the Baton Rouge area.
Governor John Bel Edwards pleaded with residents to stay off the roads and to remain in their homes to avoid getting stranded out in deep flood waters. Areas such as Baton Rouge, Livingston, North Shore, and Ascension were the most affected.
Edwards said that because the ground is so flooded even a simple thunderstorm can lead to dangerous flooding again. From the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Gov. Edwards held a special press conference about the flood. Edwards along with other officials mentioned that rescue personnel are still busy helping people escape from their homes even till night time.
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Edwards also warned that there are still some areas along south of Baton Rouge that have not experienced their maximum level of flooding. This means that flooding can still worsen in these regions. He asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to order Louisiana as a major disaster area to help parishes that were affected. This will help mobilize cleanup and rescue activities faster.
No cell service in Baton Rouge
AT&T cell service is down as their switching facility in Baton Rouge went under water. Cell phone service to the parish was completely affected. There are no reports yet when cell phone service will return to the area. Even the governor's staff fully relies on AT&T service.
Edwards said that cell phone service could take a while to return since they are still assessing the damage. A mobile switching facility, which will come from out of state, has been mobilized. Police are suggesting that people use alternate ways to communicate such as FaceTime, for those who still have access to wireless network. People are also urged to use social media, since these are updated real-time.
911 not working
911 is still the best way to call for help but this service is not working in some areas. Authorities say that the police is currently prioritizing callers according to life-threatening situations. It could therefore take a while for callers to get a response.
A nursing home in Livingston Parish had to be evacuated because of rising flood waters late Saturday night. At present, rescue workers are helping move patients from the Ochsner Medical Center in Baton Rouge.
More than 7,000 people rescued
Reports said that there were more than 7,000 people and around 500 pets were rescued from homes, structures, buildings and vehicles stuck on the road. The governor mentioned that the situation may continue to worsen in certain areas, especially those that live in south Baton Rouge.
Three deaths have been reported because of the incessant flooding. Authorities said that a fourth victim is still missing and the search is still being done in St. Helena Parish.
Shelters are set up in Baton Rouge. The Red Cross as well as government-run shelters have reported to have received more than 5,000 people since the flood started. Marketa Walters, head of the Department of Child and Family Services said that they are doing their best to get evacuees the basic comforts. Meanwhile, some shelters have started to go under water and people have been moved to another safer location.
