The entire state has been declared a state of emergency as parts Louisiana have gotten upwards of 20 inches of rain. Governor John Bel Edwards took a tour of the Shreveport area to meet with residents and see firsthand the devastation caused by the massive storm. He says the cost for reparations may pose a problem for the legislature, given the fiscal deficit the state is facing.
Edwards says he will look to the federal government for additional money and resources.
The Louisiana National Guard has rescued more than 1,000 citizens, over 200 pets and 16 livestock. They have also distributed over 12,000 bottles of water and issued 324-thousand sandbags.
Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland says many residents have lost their homes and business due to flooding. He says law enforcement is working to get those in hospitals proper medical care even with the flooded roadways because treatment must continue.
Water released from Toledo Bend is causing the Sabine River to overflow in Vernon Parish and leading to major flood damage. Vernon Parish Emergency Preparedness Director Kenneth Moore warns everyone located around the river to be careful and they’ve already issued evacuations. He says this is the most significant flooding he’s ever seen.
Moore says they’ve already evacuated about 200 people from the area near the Sabine River.
The eastern side of the state is also experiencing problems form the storm. Washington Parish Emergency Preparedness Director Tommy Thiebaud says the Bogue Chitto River is expected to crest at 21 feet, but that estimate keeps rising as even more rain is coming. He says they will be monitoring the rivers closely over the next 24 hours. Thiebaud says many roads are flooded and advises people to avoid travelling.