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75 percent of Livingston Parish homes saw water as high as 8 feet

7 years 7 months 1 week ago Wednesday, August 17 2016 Aug 17, 2016 August 17, 2016 8:20 AM August 17, 2016 in News
Source: WBRZ
Image: LPSO Facebook

LIVINGSTON PARISH - The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office released a Wednesday morning briefing via social media to update residents on area floodings as the level of destruction becomes more clear.

75 percent of homes in the parish have been impacted by water levels anywhere between 2 and 8 feet. Deputies expect that percentage to grow as more areas of Livingston Parish become accessible.

Water is continuing to recede in some parts of the parish, but it is still rising in others. Emergency response crews will continue to respond to the Maurepas and French Settlement areas on Wednesday.

15,000 to 20,000 people have been rescued in Livingston Parish alone with those efforts ongoing. The backlog of rescue calls has been cleared, according to deputies. More than 1,200 residents were in area shelters on Tuesday night. That number was once as high as 8,500.

Potential volunteers or people with donations are urged to call 225-686-3066 to see how they can help.

There have been no reported flood-related fatalities in Livingston Parish, and officials say they’re praying that number holds. Teams are now going door-to-door to make sure everyone was able to get out. More than 20 law enforcement agencies including the National Guard have responded to the parish and are throwing themselves behind that effort.

With water receding in many areas and some roads opening, deputies say residents should remain cautious as they go home to survey the damage. Boards, nails, glass, other debris and snakes could present a safety risk among other things.

More than 60 deputies have reported their homes were damaged during the round of severe weather and ensuing flooding. Some said they have nowhere to go. The sheriff is currently working to find them and their families a dry, safe place to stay until recovery can get underway.

Looting arrests have been made in Livingston Parish in connection with minor incidents like the theft of alcohol and cigarettes. The sheriff has said looting will not be tolerated, and just because his jail took on water doesn’t mean he can’t put criminals in it.

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