Gov. John Bell Edwards said Saturday that at least 3 people are dead and more than 1,000 people have been rescued from flood-ravaged regions throughout the state.
Edwards declared a state of emergency and called the floods "unprecedented" and "historic." He and his family were forced to leave the Governor's Mansion after water filled the basement.
As of Friday, authorities in Tangipahoa Parish had rescued 72 people and several pets, according to The Associated Press. Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard said 2,000 people there had been rescued. More people are still awaiting help.
Shelters have been opened for those fleeing their homes.
A low-pressure system that began in Florida is now centered along the Louisiana-Mississippi state line and causing massive rainfall amounts. The town of Livingston received 10.5 inches of rain from Thursday night into Friday.
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