Torrential rains in Louisiana and MS that are sending area rivers toward historic crests have already killed one man and forced evacuations and water rescues across the region.
Advertisement
Hundreds of residents have been forced to flee their homes after torrential downpours, and dozens have had to be rescued.
Flooding in the “basement” area of the Governor’s Mansion has caused John Bel Edwards’ family to be temporarily relocated.
“We are in constant contact with local officials and first responders, and assistance is already on the move to affected parishes”, Edwards said in a news release.
“Every available resource will be used to assist citizens as this situation continues to unfold”, he added.
The unidentified 68-year-old fell into a ditch in Zachary, was carried away and later found dead, the East Baton Rouge coroner’s office told WBRZ.
Numerous rivers in southeast Louisiana and southern MS have risen sharply above their banks, and with more rains yet to come, a long duration flood event may be the result.
Rivers in southeast Louisiana and southern MS have been quickly rising above their banks, forcing more than 100 people to evacuate to safety.
“On the Tickfaw River, a record-breaking high-water crest was just hit and the river is still rising”, Karins said.
“I’ve seen water in some places I have never seen before”.
Mike Steele, a spokesman for the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, said requests were coming in for high-water vehicles, boats and sandbags.
Forecasters issued a separate flash flood emergency until 3:15 p.m. Friday for northeastern West Feliciana, western St. Helena, northeastern East Baton Rouge and East Feliciana parishes. He also mentioned that an observer living near Livingston reported that 13.75 inches has been recorded since Friday morning.
Emergency workers rescued 72 people and seven pets from their homes in Tangipahoa Parish, according to parish president Robby Miller.
While all roads in the parish have now reopened, residents are advised not to drive down streets with high waters.
Heavy downpours are also on the rise across the US due in part to climate change. Shelters have been opened in the town of Amite and the city of Hammond to house evacuees.
Advertisement
As it stood Friday, more than 5,000 people in Louisiana alone had lost power and at least five school districts had called off classes.
