The National Weather Service says the rivers in the Baton Rouge area have started to fall, but still remain above flood stage setting record levels over the weekend. And in many places, the water was still rising, with days expected before rivers were expected to crest.
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Tens of thousands of people were rescued and at least six people killed as heavy rains flooded Louisiana over the weekend, prompting President Barack Obama to declare a major disaster in the ravaged state.
In Baker, just north of Baton Rouge, residents were rescued by boats or waded through waist-deep, water to reach dry ground.
Obama on Sunday signed a disaster declaration for New Orleans, which makes federal funding available for people in four parishes: East Baton Rouge, Livingston, St. Helena and Tangipahoa. “Even a typical afternoon summer thunderstorm has the potential to cause flooding”, Edwards said.
L.t.j.g. Gottenberg said the weather presented an ongoing problem as well. According to witnesses, the woman’s vehicle was swept away Saturday night as she attempted to turn around in high water, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office said. Two nursing homes were being evacuated.
Robert and Gwen Arceneaux endured a sleepless night Sunday after noticing floodwater creeping into their home – in a neighborhood that had never seen water before. “We got lucky, because, we’re safe and our house is safe”.
“We’re praying it stops where it is”, said Kelly’s neighbor, Jenny Ragland, whose home on a ridge was spared similar damage.
Above the water, he said, snakes trying to escape the deluge have been spotted in trees, and rescuers must be careful of power lines that are close overhead because the water is so high. Also, if a home is paid off, flood insurance even in a high-risk area is at the discretion of the homeowner.
Hundreds of people were gathered at Celtic Media Centre in Baton Rouge, some coming in by bus and others by helicopter. At least three people have died.
Debbie is in Baton Rouge now. The rain let up on Sunday, and rescue workers in helicopters rescued people stranded on the roofs of their submerged homes.
The governor said he expects to have close to 30 parishes declared disasters – almost half of the state’s 64 parishes.
Edwards also declared a state of emergency, describing the floods as “unprecedented” and “historic”.
As of Sunday morning, about 5,050 people were staying in parish and Red Cross shelters, said Marketa Garner Walters, secretary of the Department of Children & Family Services. Coast Guard aircrews have rescued more than 118 people and assisted more than 766 people in distress.
An aerial photo over Hammond, Louisiana, shows flooded homes. The National Weather Service’s flood warnings continued for some areas of the river on Monday.
Around Baton Rouge, anxious family members tried to locate relatives.
More than 10,000 people, the numbers continue to grow, had arrived at shelters as of Sunday night, Edwards said.
“I have a boxful of pictures in my garage that I hope get saved”. Many motorists had in some instances been stranded overnight awaiting rescue.
“They opened up their truck and started giving out fruits and vegetables to people”, she said.
“This is my giving back”, she said. “And thank y’all for helping me”.
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Commissioner Dardenne said the state is spending whatever is necessary in these initial phases of search and rescue as well as sheltering evacuees and other emergency expenditures.
