Torrential rains that fell on south Louisiana from Thursday to Saturday caused some of the worst flooding the region has seen in decades. State officials said seven people have died, more than 20,000 people have been rescued from floodwaters and more than 10,000 are in shelters. Four parishes — East Baton Rouge, Tangipahoa, Livingston and St. Helena — were declared major disaster areas by the federal government by Monday. Eight more parishes have been added to that list since then.
The floods have been particularly devastating for residents in high-population areas such as Lafayette and Greater Baton Rouge, where high-capacity event centers and large warehouses typically used to film movies have been converted to shelters. Several BIC Alliance staff members were among those affected.
Long sections of freeways, including Interstates 10 and 12, were shut down. Road closures complicated rescue efforts and left some motorists stranded with their vehicles.
Louisiana's refineries have not been affected by the floods thus far. BIC Magazine will continue to monitor the storm’s impact on industry and provide periodic updates here in the days to come.
To volunteer, visit http://www.volunteerlouisiana.gov or call (225) 291-4533.
More information:
American Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org/local/louisiana
Shelter information from the Louisiana Governor's Office
http://gov.louisiana.gov/news/shelter-information-for-parishes-affected-by-severe-weather
