NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard has rescued nearly 3,400 people and 400 pets during search and rescue operations due to heavy flash flooding in 12 parishes since operations began, Aug. 12.
Nearly 2,500 personnel are mobilized and nearly 195 high-water vehicles tasked or staged to assist local, parish and state emergency officials with heavy flash flooding in Ascension, Avoyelles, East Baton Rouge, Iberia, Lafayette, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, Vermillion and West Feliciana parishes.
"That's what we are focused on, saving lives. We currently have 1,700 people mobilized. Those numbers will build up towards 2,000 and possibly as high as 2,500 as requests come in,” said Maj. Gen. Glenn Curtis, adjutant general of the LANG. “ We can also bring on military police and give police officers a chance to rest and check on their homes."
Helicopters began conducting air drops of water and food on Interstate 12 to stranded motorists. Approximately 100 bus drivers reported to Memorial Stadium over the weekend to aid in assistance.
The LANG has 131 high-water vehicles currently deployed for search and rescue, 30 boats, eight bridge erection boats and five helicopters to combat the flood waters and protect communities in support of local officials. Liaison officers have been stood up in 10 parishes.
More than 600,000 sandbags have been distributed, close to 96,000 bottles of water and 2,300 meals-ready-to eat (MRE).
Additional resources are available if needed.
Louisiana's Guardsmen are trained, ready and equipped to stand up at any moment to protect lives and property, maintain communications, and ensure the continuity of operations and government.