The state of Louisiana has been reeling from heavy rains that began late last week and resulted in devastating floods across the state that have left thousands without homes and a rising death toll. Nearly a week after the flooding first began, here is everything we know so far about the devastating flooding.
The Human Toll
The New York Times reported that 11 people have died in the flooding as of Tuesday. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards further told the Times that there is not yet a count of how many people are missing. Nearly 8,100 people slept in shelters on Monday night, and nearly 30,000 people have been rescued from the flooding.
The Damage
According to NBC News, most of Louisiana has seen a foot of rain since the heavy weather started on Friday, with some parts of the state receiving as many as 30 inches of rain, the worst flooding the state has ever experienced. In his comments to the New York Times, Governor Edwards said that approximately 40,000 homes had been impacted in some way as a result of the flooding.
Over 1,000 volunteers have come to Louisiana to help the people affected by the flooding, NBC News reports. The Red Cross's vice president of disaster services, operations and logistics, Brad Kieserman told NBC "The current flooding in Louisiana is the worst natural disaster to strike the United States since Superstorm Sandy."
In addition to physical damage, looting has been reported in some parts of the state, according to the International Business Times, prompting Governor Edwards to initiate curfews in areas including Baton Rouge. The International Business Times reports that Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden made a statement about the looting saying,
We are not going to tolerate lawlessness of any kind or anywhere in our city […] No part of our city will be unprotected. If you break the law, you will be arrested and prosecuted. The protection of our city and its citizens are top priority.
Some parishes will have curfews as early as 8 p.m.
Government Response
On Aug. 12, Governor Edwards declared a state of emergency. In a statement published to the Governor's official webpage, Edwards said,
We are in constant contact with local officials and first responders, and assistance is already on the move to affected parishes. The most important thing to remember is to obey road signs and to constantly monitor the news for updates to ensure everyone’s safety. Every available resource will be used to assist citizens as this situation continues to unfold.
On Tuesday, Edwards told the New York Times that the state is "still very much in an emergency, search-and-rescue response mode for much of the Florida parishes."
President Obama declared a state of major disaster for Louisiana on Sunday. The initial declaration affected four parishes, but that number increased to 30 as of Tuesday, CNN reports.
Celebrity Reactions
Celebrities including Lil Wayne and Ellen Degeneres have tweeted messages of support to those affected by the unprecedented flooding. Lady Gaga tweeted that her family would be donating to relief efforts, and Taylor Swift reportedly donated $1 million, releasing a statement saying,
We began The 1989 World Tour in Louisiana, and the wonderful fans there made us feel completely at home. The fact that so many people in Louisiana have been forced out of their own homes this week is heartbreaking. I encourage those who can to help out and send your love and prayers their way during this devastating time.
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton also tweeted that she was "monitoring" the flooding.
