As floodwaters recede, cleanup begins in Louisiana

Wade Gary exits his home after viewing the damage in his studio apartment from floodwater Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016, in Abbeville, La.
Wade Gary exits his home after viewing the damage in his studio apartment from floodwater Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016, in Abbeville, La.

ALBANY, La. — The smell of muddy water hung heavy in the air as people began sorting through waterlogged belongings and ripping out carpets Wednesday in flood-wracked southern Louisiana, which now faces a long-term challenge of how to house thousands of displaced people.

Even as the water receded in some areas, it was rising in other communities downstream, sending people fleeing to shelters.

Officials painted a stark picture of the crisis: at least 40,000 homes damaged and 11 people killed in some of the worst flooding in Louisiana history. More than 30,000 people have been rescued since Friday.

Amid scattered reports of looting, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said parishes with widespread damage were being placed under curfew as of Tuesday night.

Receding floodwaters left behind an atmosphere of determination to recover mixed with disbelief and uncertainty. Residents and business owners in the town of Albany repeatedly noted that the area had never flooded before — and flood insurance wasn't required.

Residents donned surgical masks and began the back-breaking job of ripping out soggy carpet, drywall and insulation. They cleared out spiders and cockroaches that had bubbled up through the sewer grates.

Chris Bankston was with workers mucking out his family-owned auto parts store Wednesday. He said his father opened the business close to 70 years ago. He said water had never gotten within 200 yards of his business — until the weekend.

By noon Tuesday, more than two dozen volunteers had arrived at Rhonda Brewer's Baton Rouge home, helping her take water-damaged belongings to the curb. Volunteers worked to remove wooden floor boards, sheet rock and insulation before the mold set in.

"The water was waist deep, so it's iffy if I can take the sheet rock and insulation half way or have to go to the ceiling," she said. "If we don't make it in time, we trash it."

Officials started going house to house to ensure everyone was accounted for. They also searched countless cars caught in the flooding.

"I don't know we have a good handle on the number of people who are missing," the governor said.

About 60,000 people have signed up for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and 20 parishes were included in the federal disaster declaration.

Read Thursday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

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