About 75-percent of Louisianans do not have flood insurance, which is bad news for the thousands of homeowners who lost everything in the flood. Michael Barry with the Insurance Information Institute says FEMA assistance will be available for flood victims who live in a parish that are part of the federal disaster declaration, but…:
cut 4 (11) “current location”
He still recommends that people without insurance register their damage with FEMA. You can do that online disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA.

Curfews are in place in East Baton Rouge, Livingston and Ascension until conditions improve in those parishes. State Police Col. Mike Edmonson law enforcement has also started going door-to-door in flooded areas looking for storm victims:
CUT 7 (08) “be done”
The curfews are also in place to prevent looting.

While tens of thousands of people have lost everything in the deadly flood, many are coming together to assist in recovery efforts throughout south Louisiana. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Twenty parishes have now been declared disasters. Governor John Bel Edwards assures other parishes and victims won’t be forgotten. The flooding event has now claimed the lives of 11 people, according to the state registrar for vital records.

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.

Cut 11 (09) “required”

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.

CUT 5 (07)  “through it”

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.

Cut 13 (10)  “bit more”

As of this morning, Richard Carbo with the Governor’s Office says 11,000 have registered damage, 8,000 of those are from impacted parishes.  Governor John Bel Edwards says they’re hoping to add more parishes to the list.

cut 12 (06) “declaration”

St. John’s United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge is just one of many impromptu shelters that have been set up across south Louisiana in the wake of historic floods. Rev. Dr. Jay Hogwood says St. John’s takes up donations for their Shepherd’s Market, which is usually used to feed the needy in the community. He says as of late, it’s been a vital resource to provide meals for people who, for now, are calling St. John’s home.

CUT 5 (07)  “the devastation”

Hogwood says they are still taking donations of non-perishable food items, baby supplies, and paper products at St. John’s UMC on Highland Road.

Flood waters are not showing signs of receding anytime soon in some southern Louisiana parishes. Meredith Conger with the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness in Ascension Parish says they are still trying to combat the flooding throughout the parish. She says they are still in the response phase.

Cut 13 (09)  “at Lamar Dixon”

Conger says anyone who wants to volunteer can call 225-621-8360

According to the National Weather Service, Ascension, Iberville, St. James and Livingston are still expected to get additional flooding. Frank Revitte with the National Weather Service in Slidell says even though the river crested in Denham Springs and Livingston Parish, the water isn’t expected to clear out for days…

CUT 9 (10) “process”

The Amite River has receded in some parts of Livingston Parish, giving storm victims a chance to survey the devastation of their homes. Michelle Southern reports from her Denham Springs subdivision.
CUT 1 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

Tangipahoa, St. Helena, East Baton Rouge and Livingston Parishes have been declared federal disaster areas. Gerard Stoler with FEMA says all damage claims in parishes not declared a federal disaster zone will be processed when those parishes are added to the list.
cut 11 (05) “register”
Frank Revitte with the National Weather Service in Slidell says the southeast section of the state are still seeing flood waters rising. He says a lot of water still has to move from the Amite River Basin towards Lake Maurepas.
CUT 8 (12) “spread out”

Ascension, Iberville, St. James and Livingston are still expected to get additional flooding and more homes could become flooded.

St. John’s United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge has opened up as one of many shelters for flood victims in the area. Rev. Dr. Jay Hogwood says they have partnered with sister churches in their sheltering efforts, including South Baton Rouge Presbyterian Church.
Cut 4 (07) “back and forth.”

Four parishes have been declared a federal disaster area as a result of the historic flooding. The four parishes are Tangipahoa, St. Helena, East Baton Rouge and Livingston. The declaration allows for storm victims to receive federal assistance. Gerard Stoler with FEMA says they plan to set up recovery centers in these parishes to help individuals get federal aid.

cut 10 (05)  “right now”

Individuals can also register damage online or over the phone at disasterassistance-dot-gov.

St. John’s United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge is just one of many impromptu shelters that have been set up across south Louisiana. Rev. Dr. Jay Hogwood says nearly 100 people are being housed on the church campus, and that number is expected to grow.

CUT 3 (07)  “on that first”

Flood waters are not showing signs of receding anytime soon in some southern Louisiana parishes. Meredith Conger with the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness in Ascension Parish says they are still trying to combat the flooding throughout the parish. She says they are still in the response phase.

Cut 13 (09)  “at Lamar Dixon”

Southwest Louisiana was also hammered by the intense rains over the weekend and are experiencing tremendous flooding. Donald Jones with the National Weather Service says Lafayette, New Iberia and the Lake Arthur area are having the biggest problems. He says more rain is expected this week, which could worsen the situation in some areas.

CUT 7 (11) “new flooding”

Historic flooding across south Louisiana has resulted in power outages, rescue missions, and unfortunately even deaths. Governor John Bel Edwards spoke as a press conference today…

Cut 23 (21) “…at this point”

Edwards says there have been two confirmed deaths. One in East Baton Rouge Parish, and one in St. Helena parish.  He says more search and rescue missions are underway. Edwards says the power has been cut off at the governor’s mansion because the basement flooded. He advises everyone to stay home and stay off the road, unless they have been advised to evacuate.

State Emergency Officials from throughout the bottom half of the state are saying the amount of rain that’s fallen, in such a short period of time, is reaching historic proportions. Frank Reviette with the National Weather Service in Slidell, says their might be some slight progression of this
system to the northwest today and tomorrow…:
CUT 21 (08) “away from the region”
Governor John Bel Edwardsa has declared a state of emergency.

A 68-year-old man from Zachary drowned while he was trying to escape floodwaters at his home, according to reports. Adam Einck with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says this is worse than what we saw in March and they are urging people who know they are prone to flooding to go ahead and leave to avoid the need for rescue…:
cut 22 (10) “get out”

Nothing like they’ve ever seen before. That’s what many residents and
officials are saying about the massive rainfall and widespread flooding
accross south Louisiana. In East Baton Rouge Parish, Central Mayor Jr.
Shelton says one of the biggest problems is that the issues related to
these storms are every changing…:
CUT 4 (08) “we can”
Forecasters are urging residents to watch for rising streams, creeks
ditches and other low lying areas.

There was a resurgence of heavy rainfall early Saturday morning for parts
of south Louisiana that were already flooded, leading to more problems.
The bottom of the state is seeing flash flood watches and warnings, and
Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard says this is a life threatening
situation. Governor John Bel Edwards has declared a state of emergency. He is slated to speak at this hour and give an update on this dire situation.

As the waters continue to rise in south Louisiana, residents are also
losing power. Entery reported this morning that nearly 10,000 customers are
in the dark. On its website, Entergy states that crews are working to
restore power in the affected parishes, including low-lying areas and areas
impacted by high water. However, the company said crews cannot reach some
areas to work on restoring power.

State Superintendent of Education John White is proposing a plan to
lawmakers that would allow the voucher students that were placed on a
waiting list, to go ahead and enroll in the nonpublic school. He says the
schools would agree to accept a small payment of $100 from the state per
child for the year…:
cut 15 (11) “public schools”
He says they will know by August 22nd whether or not the private schools
who participate in the voucher program will agree to this plan, but he
expects most will. He says it’s the right thing to do.

The rain is still falling across south Louisiana and officials say the
flooding is far from over. Frank Reviette with the National Weather Service
in Slidell, says water is coming into many homes and roadways that normally
don’t see it, and the rivers and tributaries are a grave concern…:
CUT 8 (12) “close attention to that”
Reviette says, unfortunately, this system is churning very slowly, and the
rain will continue today and possibly into tomorrow.

Rescue efforts are underway for those trapped in their homes. The Louisiana
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says hundreds have been rescued. LDWF
spokesman Adam Einck…:
Cut 13 (10) “as we speak right now”
People are advised to stay off the roads if possible and if they do have to
wander out to heed the road hazard warnings.

Forecasters are urging residents to watch for rising streams, creeks
ditches and other low lying areas. East Feliciana Parish OEP Deputy
Director Jim Parker says he’s dealt with flooding before, but nothing like
this…:
CUT 5 (10) “people getting stranded”

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, Marijuana will remain a
Schedule I drug under federal law, which has many people asking what will
happen in the 25 states that legalized medical marijuana. Don Molino has
more…:
CUT 2 (30) “I’m Don Molino”