The number of storm-related fatalities has risen to 11. Governor John Bel Edwards says 40-thousand homes have been impacted, and over 30-thousand people have been rescued. He says search and rescues are still ongoing in some parishes.
Twenty parishes total have now been declared federal disaster areas.
Livingston parish Sheriff’s deputies have arrested several people on looting charges, and they are reportedly working to keep looters away from homes and businesses. Parish President Layton Ricks says this is the worst flooding Livingston parish has ever seen. But he is hopeful that the community will pull together.
Curfews are in effect for Livingston, East Baton Rouge and Ascension parishes from 10pm until 6 am.
Many flood victims are returning to their homes and finding devastating damage. LSU AgCenter Housing Specialist Claudette Reichel says when you enter your flooded home, make sure the power is turned off, as well as, the gas. She says the next step is to look for structural instability.
CUT 6 (10) “structural damage”
Reichel says residents should make a personal shopping trip before going home to buy protective gear and cleaning supplies.
Director of the Acadia Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Lee Hebert says because they are a very rural community, Acadia only has one open shelter but many flood victims are staying with family and friends. He says they’re praying the waters go down because so many residents have lost everything.