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Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards made a statement today drawing attention to the area’s torrential rainfall. Areas in Baton Rouge were the last to see the damaging rains. Now movement seems to be targeting western areas of the state. Creeks and rivers experienced record flooding that is already affecting roads, driveways and homes. The governor cited that this is a “major” and tragic disaster. He added that rescue efforts are still in high response mode.

So far at least three people have died because of the flooding sweeping through the state. But for rescue workers, a fourth victim would have been recorded. Rescue workers heard screaming coming from a vehicle. They tried to break a window as the car was going completely under, to no avail. The worker then tried to cut the vinyl top of the vehicle—again unsuccessful. In the end, the woman was able to wiggle free and extend her hands out of the vehicle’s window. A rescue worker was able to grab her and pull her to the surface. The woman pleaded with the rescuer to get her dog. He stated he couldn’t. Just as the woman began to protest, the worker emerged again with the white dog in his arms.

So far rescue workers have saved over 1,000 people and more than 100 pets. There were 21-inches of rain within a 24-hour period. Many residents stated they knew rain was coming but they didn’t expect this much. They were left to watch waters rise after they decided to not evacuate as requested.

Warnings are still in full effect for people to stay off the roads. There are sixteen shelters open. Many roads are experiencing power outages also and some have been closed as a result. The Red Cross is delivering both water and food to the shelters as they continue to service the displaced. So far 1,000 National Guard soldiers have been deployed and 250 more will be in Louisiana by Saturday night.