One of the worst natural disasters of recent years has struck the state of Louisiana in the American south, killing 13 people and bringing as much as 79cm of water across a third of the state.
The floods – which have also damaged over 40,000 homes – are the result of a 72+hour downpour earlier this week, leading to widespread and dramatic flooding in the affected area and downstream along the Amite river.
Thousands are now relying on emergency response teams to help evacuate them out of the disaster area. But unfortunately, the timing of the disaster has meant that little attention has been paid to their plight, with the Rio Olympics, the US election shenanigans, and another natural disaster — the California wildfires – diverting attention.
So far, more than 86,500 people have registered for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema).
A statement from the Louisiana Office of Tourism concerning the devastating floods reads as follows:
“Please know that we appreciate your thoughts and prayers at this time as our citizens deal with the horrendous devastation. As all of you know, Louisianans are a resilient group and even these flood waters will not keep us from helping our neighbour get back on their feet and continue to prosper.”
Kyle Edminston, Louisiana Office of Tourism.
According to Red Cross spokesperson Craig Cooper, the “epic” disaster is expected to hit $30 million in disaster response, and looking at images of the scene, one cannot help to conjure to the mind those tragic images of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina back in 2005.
The Red Cross is currently launching its largest relief effort in America since Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
Stay tuned to KarryOn for further developments as they arise.
