Photo courtesy of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
The historic rainfall that swamped Lake Charles and Baton Rouge last night left many residents stranded in their cars and homes as floodwaters rose rapidly yesterday and early this morning.
State Fire Marshal’s spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue said their long day began early Monday as marshals were called in to help assist local authorities in Lake Charles.
“We immediately sent 24 personnel with nine boats in that direction and worked for hours through the night to help relocated individuals get out of their homes, or who were flooded in,” said Rodrigue.
The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reported having to rescue 110 people in southwest Louisiana yesterday. Rodrigue said so far marshals have rescued 78 people and five pets in Lake Charles along with eight people in Baton Rouge.
This weather event is expected to last at least another day and Rodrigue is asking residents to stay off the road if they can and stay away from any flooded streets.
“It helps us not have to go out and get into those dangerous situations as well and really focus on those individuals who are trapped in their homes and need a way out,” said Rodrigue.
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