No Script

Please Wait...

Al-Ahed Telegram

Louisiana Flood: Disaster Declared as 5 Dead, 20,000 Rescued

Louisiana Flood: Disaster Declared as 5 Dead, 20,000 Rescued
folder_openUnited States access_time7 years ago
starAdd to favorites

Local Editor

US President Barack Obama has signed a disaster declaration for flooded Louisiana, where at least five people had died and emergency workers have had to rescue over 20,000 people.

Louisiana Flood: Disaster Declared as 5 Dead, 20,000 Rescued

On Sunday, a major disaster was declared in the state's hardest-hit areas, including East Baton Rouge, Livingston, St. Helena and Tangipahoa. Obama's move freed up federal funding, which can now be used to provide additional emergency aid.

The death toll from the disaster climbed to five on Sunday when an emergency crew discovered the body of a man who had reportedly been swept away in the water on Friday, said Ronda Durbin, a spokeswoman for Tangipahoa Parish, as quoted by Reuters.

In addition, the body of a woman was recovered from a submerged vehicle, Durbin added.

So far, over 20,000 people had been rescued from flooded homes, Governor John Bel Edwards said on Sunday.

Officials warn that the danger had not yet passed, as more rain is expected.

"It's not over," Edwards said. "The water's going to rise in many areas. It's no time to let the guard down."

Edwards also declared a state of emergency, describing the floods as "unprecedented" and "historic."

The flooding has been triggered by heavy rainfall that started in Louisiana on Friday, producing 6 to 10 inches (15-25 cm) of precipitation in the southeastern parts of the state, the National Weather Service reported.

The number of homes that had been damaged is still unclear, but Edwards has stating that it could be "in the thousands."

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team

Comments