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More than 1,000 people have been rescued, the governor says
Flash flood warnings issued across the southern part of the state
At least three deaths are reported
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards called the widespread flooding spawned by the region’s pounding rain across the southern part of the state a “truly historic event” that won’t be over anytime soon.
The rain battered the parishes around Baton Rouge and is expected to move west, he said at a news conference Saturday.
There are record levels of flooding and cresting along rivers and creeks that will affect homes, roads and driveways, he said.
“This is a major disaster,” the governor said. “This is an ongoing event and we are still in the response mode.”
At least three people have died so far as a result of the flooding sweeping through south Louisiana, officials said.
The body of a 30-year-old woman was recovered Saturday afternoon in St. Helena Parish, Michael Martin, the chief of operations for St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office, said The woman was traveling with her husband and mother when their vehicle was swept away by the flood. Her mother and husband were rescued.
Officials have not released the name of the woman.
She is the second known flood victim in St. Helena Parish. Samuel Muse, 54, of Greensburg died when his vehicle was submerged Friday after a portion of Highway 10 collapsed at Darlings Creek, CNN-affiliate WAFB reported.
“At this time, troopers believe that Muse attempted to drive through high water and his vehicle was swept off the road,” the Louisiana State Police said.
The state’s first f