For indispensable reporting on the coronavirus crisis, the election, and more, subscribe to the Mother Jones Daily newsletter.





Update (8/17/16): The death toll in the region has risen to 11, and the number of people rescued is now 30,000, according to the New York Times.

Severe weather and flooding has wracked southern Louisiana in recent days, as more than two feet of rain fell in parts of the region. The flooding has so far caused at least six deaths, according to the Associated Press. More than 20,000 people have been rescued, and 10,000 others have been put in shelters, Gov. John Bel Edwards said in a press conference yesterday.

Watson, LA picked up more rain in this event (31.39″) than annual avg. precip. in Omaha (31.10″) & Mpls. (30.57″). pic.twitter.com/AXi5lyRjUx — Jonathan Erdman (@wxjerdman) August 14, 2016

The US government has declared four parishes federal disaster areas: East Baton Rouge, Livingston, St. Helena, and Tangipahoa. Damage assessments are continuing in other parts of the state, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Edwards declared a state of emergency last Friday and requested aid from the federal government on Sunday.

Shocking images from the scene include cars submerged in water, floating caskets, and residents evacuating in boats. Here’s a look at the tragic scene from Louisiana:

Watch Coast Guard videos of flooding rescues in Baton Rouge https://t.co/ej0OTBGXEj — NOLA.com (@NOLAnews) August 15, 2016

Good examples of #LAflood photos of streets/parks/public places sent via the @fema App. Be safe taking photos. pic.twitter.com/Z6esIP9CuJ — FEMA (@fema) August 14, 2016

So sad. This is right off Stringer Bridge Rd in St Amant. @WAFB pic.twitter.com/npt4FeKoek — Liz Koh (@lizkohWAFB) August 15, 2016

Lakes at Magnolia Trace subdivision. Built less than 3 three ago off O’Neal Lane pic.twitter.com/Ub1pNBiK5m — Terry L Jones (@tjonesreporter) August 15, 2016

Aerial photos show horrific flooding in East Baton Rouge Parish over weekend: https://t.co/bsIxWO5oUd pic.twitter.com/WdcPSZxPN5 — The Advocate (@theadvocatebr) August 15, 2016