The death toll from recent storms and flooding in Louisiana has reached 13, state officials said Wednesday, as residents faced the biggest housing crunch since the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Five people have died in East Baton Rouge Parish, three in Tangipahoa Parish, two in St. Helena Parish, two in Livingston Parish and one in Rapides Parish from the storms and their aftermath. In addition to the fatalities, an estimated estimated 40,000 homes have been damaged and more than 30,000 people have been rescued since Friday. At least 70,000 people have registered for federal disaster assistance. At the height of the flooding, 11,000 people were staying in shelters, though that had dropped to 6,000 by Wednesday.
Those who aren't staying in shelters are bunking with friends or relatives, or sleeping in trailers on their front lawns. Others unable or unwilling to leave their homes are living amid mud and the ever-present risk of mold in the steamy August heat. Many victims will need an extended place to stay while they rebuild. Countless others didn't have flood insurance and may not have the means to repair their homes. They may have to find new places altogether.
FEMA said more than 9,000 flood claims have been filed with the agency. Anyone with flood damage is eligible for FEMA aid of close to $33,000 — far less than many people without flood insurance will need to repair and replace their damaged property. The maximum payout under a home flood insurance policy is $250,000.
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