Tragic flooding in Louisiana continued on Sunday.
In a Sunday news conference, Gov. John Bel Edwards said that upwards of 7,000 people have had to be rescued so far. At least three people are dead, reports CNN. The Governor described the flooding as “unprecedented.”
"It's not over," he said. "The water's going to rise in many areas. It's no time to let the guard down." From NBC:
The flooding has primarily affected the southern part of the state, particularly Baton Rouge and its surrounding parishes. From NBC:
The heavy rain began on Friday, with between 6 and 10 inches of rain falling on parts of southeast Louisiana. Several more inches fell Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.
In a 24-hour period, Baton Rouge had as much as 11 inches, according to The Associated Press.
In Baton Rouge, it rained more in 24 hours than it usually does during the entire month of August.
CNN reports that the storms that caused the flooding have begun to move West. Still, Baton Rouge is expecting another 2-4 inches of rain today, and rivers continue to rise. From CNN:
The governor has also deployed the Louisiana National Guard, which said it has approximately 1,000 soldiers on the ground assisting in search and rescue, that number will increase to 1,200 to 1,250 by the end of the day Saturday.
Also deployed were 170 high water vehicles, 20 boats, and five helicopters.
At least 18 parishes have declared emergencies, the governor said, with three in the process of doing so.
This is in addition to the state of emergency Edwards declared Friday. It remains in effect until September 10