11 people have perished in the floods and 40,000 people have been affected by the fallout.
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Jim Donelon, the state’s insurance commissioner, said in Baton Rouge only 12 percent of residents are covered by flood insurance and 14 percent in Lafayette, numbers he called “shocking”.
While flooding receded in parts of southern Louisiana, other areas saw rising waters following a weekend of torrential rains.
More than 8,000 people slept in emergency shelters on Monday night, unable to return to their homes, Edwards told a news conference.
The American Red Cross launched a donation campaign for Louisiana flood victims, and deployed 67 emergency response vehicles, according to spokesman Patrick Pannett who was interviewed by local TV station WAFB.
In a state more accustomed to hurricanes, forecasters said the rains were almost off the charts in intensity.
While global wires are reporting eight people are dead, conflicting media reports suggest the number could be as high as 11. About 40,000 people had signed up for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and 16 parishes were added to the federal disaster declaration, bringing the total to 20.
“The Weather Service tells us because the flooding is so far above what they’ve ever seen, they can’t really model or predict how wide the water is going to flow or how deep its going to get”, Edwards told CNN. But despite nearly two feet of water surrounding his home, Mitchell believes he and his family are among “the lucky ones” who will avoid major suffering.
The likelihood of a flood this catastrophic in the Baton Rouge area is about once every 500 years.
Edwards said there were still some 34,000 households and businesses without electricity in torrid summer heat and humidity – raising concerns of mould in waterlogged buildings.
“We understand that there are a lot of people who are suffering”, Edwards said. More than 30,000 people have been rescued since Friday.
In this August 15, 2016 US Coast Guard handout photo, flooded areas of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, are seen from the air.
John Booth (left) sits with Angela Latiolais’s family while helping them save belongings after flooding in Gonzales, Louisiana.
“We are going to have to search and mark each of those cars”, the governor said.
The volunteer rescuers have been dubbed the “Cajun Navy”.
The Salvation Army in Baton Rouge was completely flooded, but they’re still trying to mobilize their efforts to help those in need. During the next 24 hours, the possibility of more floods can not be ruled out.
“We’re exhausted but today’s a good day”, Lori Steele, a spokeswoman for the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office told CBS News. He asked for volunteers to help clean out mud from homes.
Anderson has spent the last two decades in Baton Rouge and is now a spectator to the devastation of flood waters which have swallowed up entire communities.
While some parts of Louisiana are starting to enter a recovery mode, others downstream are preparing for more flooding.
United Way’s Southeast Louisiana Flood Relief is accepting monetary donations, as well as donations of toiletries, cleaning kits, nonperishable food supplies, and items for pets.
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The National Weather Service forecasted waterways would fall back below flood stage later Wednesday or as late as Friday, depending on the area.
