The Baton Rouge Area Chamber estimates 110-thousand homes have been impacted by the historic flooding within a nine parish area and their analysis puts the damage estimate to personal property at nearly 21-billion dollars. BRAC also says a maximum of 15-percent of all homes were insured against flooding.

South Louisiana parishes underwater just a few days ago are transitioning into recovery, but there’s still a long road ahead. Don Molino has more…
voicer 1 (29) “…I’m Don Molino”

Points of Distribution locations have been set up in Livingston Parish. That’s where flood victims can get water and food, as well as, meet with FEMA representatives to apply for disaster assistance. Terry is a Denham Springs resident whose home was flooded during the storm. He says he lost two trailers and a truck, but is lucky he can stay with his daughter…
cut 6 (12) “…shower, sleep”

Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump has visited with flood victims today in East Baton Rouge, Livingston and he’s now in Ascension Parish.

There are no plans for President Barack Obama to cut his New England vacation short to see the devastation in Louisiana first hand. It’s caused many Louisiana residents to wonder if Mr. Obama is concerned about the flooding disaster. US Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson says the President can’t be everywhere, but he is up to date on the situation.

Cut 10 (09) “expedited”

Governor John Bel Edwards says he is not complaining in any way about our federal partnership.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is in Baton Rouge today. Trump was near Greenwell Springs this morning touring flooded neighborhoods. He slammed the President for not coming to Louisiana.

Governor Edwards’ spokesperson says Trump is welcome to visit Louisiana, but not for a photo-op. He says the billionaire presidential candidate should consider volunteering or making a sizeable donation instead.

As the state transitions into recovery from the 1,000-year flood, resources and volunteers are more important than ever. Red Cross CEO Gail McGovern says this is the worst natural disaster they have seen in years.

CUT 3 (10)  “Superstorm Sandy”

McGovern says at one point 10-thousand people in the state were in shelters.

Flood relief efforts are ongoing in south Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards says they plan to announce a housing plan today for those who are not able to return to their flooded home. He says they’ve been trying to determine how many people need housing and where they are now….

Cut 9 (10)  “today”

Some are questioning why President Barack Obama hasn’t cut his vacation short to visit the flood damage, but Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s been pleased with the federal government’s response. Edwards added that if the President came to the state this week, it would cause a disruption in traffic, hamper recovery and relief efforts and law enforcement officers would have to leave their posts to help with security….
cut 13 (09) “….or two”
Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump is in Louisiana this morning, along with his running mate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence. Trump started his tour of the flood ravaged areas in Greenwell Springs in East Baton Rouge Parish.

AT&T and Verizon say they will provide a credit and free service to customers who live in parishes that have been severely impacted by the flooding.AT&T had a service outage during the height of the storm and the company says they will provide credit for those customers who went over their data plans.

Louisiana Economic Development estimates there are nine-thousand businesses impacted by the flooding. LED Secretary Don Pierson says they’re working closely with the US Small Business Administration to help those businesses get back on their feet…
cut 5 (10) “….small businesses”

For those who live in heavily flooded areas of the state, they maybe without power for awhile. Entergy spokesperson Kacee Kirschvink says if a customer’s meter has to be removed or deactivated because of water damage, the homeowner will then need to hire a licensed electrician to make sure their systems are ready to go once repairs are made…
cut 16 (10) “…their service”
About seven-thousand customers are without power due to the flooding.

Flood relief efforts continue throughout south Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards says we are transitioning into recovery very quickly. At least 13 people have died as a result of the historic flooding. Over 40-thousand homes have been affected and 30-thousand people were rescued. The governor says crews are going door to door searching homes and vehicles in badly flooded areas to see if anyone else needs help…:
Cut 8 (08) “been assisted”
Edwards says they plan to announce a housing plan today for those who are not able to return to their flooded home.

Edwards says even though people aren’t happy that President Obama is on vacation through all this, he’s not at all concerned about about our federal partnership…:
cut 12 (10) “every day”
He says we don’t need presidential traffic around the city anyway.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is in Louisiana to assist businesses affected by the flooding. Emelie Gunn has more…:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

State leaders are at the Baton Rouge airport at this hour waiting for GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump who plans to tour the flood damage in South Louisiana. His running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, has already arrive and was seen chatting on the tarmac with Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and Attorney General Jeff Landry.

The White House says President Obama has no plans to cut his New England vacation short to come see the flood damage in Louisiana first hand, which has infuriated some Louisiana residents. Halen Doughty has more..:
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The floods that hit south Louisiana are the largest natural disaster the American Red Cross has responded to since Superstorm Sandy, the president of the relief organization said Thursday. Across the region, 4,070 victims spent Wednesday night in shelters, Gov. John Bel Edwards said.

Power has been an issue with residents who lost everything and are trying to rebuild. Entergy spokeswoman Kacee Kirschvink (Kursh-vink), says victims may have to make repairs to their electrical system before power can be restored…:
Cut 15 (12) “are needed”
About 5,000 Entergy customers are without power. Nearly 17 DEMCO customers are in the dark. Kirschvink says crews are working to re-energize lines.

Louisiana Economic Development is urging businesses impacted by the historic flooding to apply for any financial assistance. LED Secretary Don Pierson…:
cut 4 (10) “FEMA”
Pierson says the LED website will also have the most up to date information from DOTD, the Red Cross and other organizations.

Governor John Bel Edwards says Louisiana is on its way from response to recovery from the deadly floods in south Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Residents are also expressing outrage over images of President Barack Obama playing golf on vacation this week while so many are suffering. The Great Flood of 2016 has claimed at least 13 lives. US Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson
cut 11 (07) “recover”

Louisiana Economic Development is urging businesses impacted by the historic flooding to apply for any financial assistance. LED Secretary Don Pierson says small businesses in particular need help…:

Cut 6 (10) “to us”

Residents in flood stricken areas in South Louisiana are pleading for help with their homes on Facebook. Most say their needs with regards to shelter and food are met, but manpower remains the biggest issue. Those offering help free of charge are overwhelmed with requests and some local contractors say they may not to get to some on their work orders for months.

LSU football players and Coach Les Miles visited the Celtic Media Center in Baton Rouge Thursday, where many flood victims who lost everything are taking shelter.

Flood relief efforts continue throughout south Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards says we are transitioning into recovery very quickly. He says disaster food stamps will be available in 7 of the affected parishes starting Monday…:
CUT 7 (08) “a week”
At least 13 people have died as a result of the historic flooding.

There are no plans for President Barack Obama to cut his New England vacation short to see the devastation in Louisiana first hand. It’s caused many Louisiana residents to wonder if Mr. Obama is concerned about the flooding disaster. US Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson says the President can’t be everywhere, but he is up to date on the situation..:
Cut 10 (09) “expedited”
Johnson says more than 900 FEMA personnel are on the ground and hundreds more are expected.

Unfortunately, it could be a while before the hardest hit flood victims have power in their homes again. As of Thursday night, more than seven-thousand customers are without power and utility crews are working to re-energize lines. Entergy spokesperson, Kacee Kirschvink (Kursh-vink), says when water is involved, it’s a tedious process to reconnect power safely because water and electricity don’t mix…:
cut 14 (07) “the meters”
Kirschvink says victims may have to make repairs to their electrical system before power can be restored.

According to a report from the Alabama athletics website, Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban is asking the Tuscaloosa community and fan base to offer help to for those impacted by flooding. In a tweet, Alabama says it’s their time to give back, and to please donate and help those trying to recover.

Governor Edwards hopes to provide information tomorrow on how they plan to provide temporary housing for the thousands that can’t live in their flooded home. Deputy Secretary for the Department of Children and Family Services Terri Ricks says there’s about four-thousand flood victims in shelters and many more living with family and friends…
cut 7 (10) “….that out”
Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne told the joint budget committee they are considering cruise ships as a possible housing solution.

Officials continue to ask residents impacted by the flood to register their damage with FEMA. FEMA spokesperson Maria Padron says money could come fast, if paperwork is filed quickly…
cut 14 (04) “….already”
The number to call is 1-800-621-FEMA.

The Salvation Army is collecting donations to help the thousands of storm victims who lost everything in the flood. Don Molino has more…
voicer 1 (31) “…I’m Don Molino”

The LSU football team did not practice today, which gave them an opportunity to visit flood victims at a Baton Rouge shelter. Coach Les Miles brought about 50 players to the Celtic Movie Studios, where hundred of people without a home are staying. Many players, including running back Leonard Fournette, signed autographs and took pictures with the evacuees.

There are no plans for President Barack Obama to cut his New England vacation short to see the flooding devastation first hand. It’s caused many Louisiana residents to wonder if Mr. Obama is concerned about the flooding disaster. US Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson says the President can’t be everywhere, but he is up to date on the situation…
cut 30 (09) “…expedited”
Governor John Bel Edwards says he has no problems with the federal government’s response.

Thousands of Louisiana families lost everything in the Great Flood of 2016. The Salvation Army is busying trying to provide much needed supplies and clothing…
cut 4 (09) “…for granted”

Plans are underway to determine temporary housing for flood victims still in shelters. Emelie Gunn has more…
voicer 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Over 85-thousand flood victims have registered for federal aid. FEMA spokesperson Maria Padron says FEMA plans to open disaster recovery centers where flood victims can ask questions. She says the amount of money a victim receives varies….
Cut 13 (08) “dollars”
She says the average payment is about 2-thousand dollars.

The Department of Children and Family Services reports there are about 4-thousand flood victims still living in shelters. Deputy Secretary Terri Ricks says they’re working to address housing for people who have nowhere to go. She says a meeting is being held today with the Governor and FEMA to determine how to move forward with housing for the near and distant future.
CUT 8 (10) “basis”

More than 85-thousand people have registered with FEMA for disaster assistance. FEMA Spokesperson Maria Padron says the average payment a flood victim will have is about 2-thousand dollars and the money could come quickly if you file your paperwork promptly.
Cut 14 (04) “…already”

She says to call 1 (800) 621-FEMA to register for disaster assistance.

 
Former Saints Safety Darren Sharper has been sentenced to 18 years in a federal prison for raping and drugging nine women. Sharper says, while in the courtroom that he made some ‘heinous decisions’. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says Sharper’s money was probably more help to him in this case than his Saints fame.
cut 10 (09) “legal team”

Meche says Sharper got the deal of the century.

The Salvation Army is taking donations for the thousands of people who lost everything during the floods. Baton Rouge Salvation Army Commander Capt. Brett Meredith says every donation helps flood victims that have nothing.
Cut 3 (08) “are needed”

The Salvation Army will distribute truckloads of goods and supplies at Cortana Mall in Baton Rouge today and tomorrow.