Edwards Declares State Of Emergency Over Flooding Concerns

Governor John Bel Edwards got a first hand look at just how devastating the flooding is in northern Louisiana yesterday. Among the first questions he was asked after his tour was to assess what he had scene.

I have to imagine what when we add up the damages, it will be in the millions of dollars.

While the Governor was touring the northern part of the state that was deluged by several days of record rainfall this past week. Residents in the southeastern part of Louisiana were just getting a chance to asses the damage the heavy rains have done to their hometowns.

To add insult to injury some of the worst flooding may come a few days from now in the parishes along the Texas border. Much of the record rainfall of the past week created the need for the managers of Toledo Bend Reservoir to open their flood gates. This extra water could produce record flooding along the Sabine River as this increased volume of water makes  its way toward the Gulf of Mexico.

So, what about help and aid for those affected? Governor Edwards said this to the Louisiana Radio Network.

When the waters recede and we’re able to evaluate the damage and get numbers on the total amount of damages, we will then involve the federal government, with respect to cost-sharing on repairing that damage.

Meanwhile local law enforcement, state law enforcement, and members of the Louisiana National Guard are patrolling the affected areas and assisting residents when necessary.