As the flood waters finally begin to subside in Louisiana, the extent of the damage done has become much more apparent. Governor John Bel Edwards announced at a news conference that more than 40,000 homes have been affected by record levels of rain hitting the region over the weekend.
At least 30,000 people in the state had to be rescued from their homes, and more were forced out as a precautionary measure, including the Governor and his family. Currently, 10 people have been reported dead, though that number may yet rise.
“I don’t know we have a good handle on the number of people who are missing,” said Edwards.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will assist 20 parishes and 60,000 residents with food and shelter during the recovery period. Many returned after the rains to find their homes and possessions still underwater.
“I’m not going to lie, I cried uncontrollably,” said Prairieville resident David Key, who used a boat to access his house. “But you have to push forward and make it through. Like everybody says, you still have your family.”
The average cost to repair home water damage is $2,386, but the levels of flooding in the region were anything but. Some regions, such as Livingston Parish, witnessed as much as two feet of rainfall over a 48-hour period. Officials in Livingston estimate that as many as 75% of the homes there are now a total loss.
Though waterways headed for the Gulf of Mexico are still at dangerously high levels, rescue workers say that the worst is likely over. Lori Steele, spokeswoman for the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, said emergency crews are now able to safely deliver food and medicine to people in need.
“We’re tired but today’s a good day,” Steele said.
