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North Dakota Red Cross volunteers head to flood-ravaged Louisiana

The Red Cross has also asked for donations to help more than 7,000 people in emergency shelters.

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At least 13 people have died across five parishes.

The recent floods left the home belonging to St. Johns County resident Jeremy Purvis’ 65-year old mother under water.

“Normally, we only deploy volunteers out of state who have previous volunteer experience with the Red Cross”, McGurk said in the news release.

The federal government has already declared a major disaster in Louisiana, and forecasters expected more flooding across the southern part of the state today.

“I hope to bring some fresh energy, a little bit of a rested mind, they need all hands on deck”, Pitcher said. Since Friday, more than 30,000 people have been rescued thanks to volunteers like Johnston. She is one of about 20 locals who have volunteered to assist with the flooding devastation happening in Louisiana. 12 parishes, which are like counties in SC have been declared national disaster areas.

Red Cross officials said the response is larger than the one for Hurricane Sandy.

“So we know that the citizens in these communities that are inundated with water have the necessities they need to actually survive until this water recedes”, Ochsner said. People can donate by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word LAFLOODS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

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Ward will help some of the many families staying in emergency shelters right now.

Red Cross