La. Guard responding to heavy flash flooding

NEW ORLEANS – At the request of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the Louisiana National Guard has mobilized personnel and equipment to assist local, parish and state emergency officials with heavy flash flooding in Iberia, Lafayette, St. Helena, Tangipahoa and West Feliciana parishes.

The LANG has 39 high-water vehicles and five boat teams in route or actively supporting search and rescue operations at this time. More than 40 people have been rescued in Tangipahoa and 17 in St. Helena.

LANG liaison officers have been called up in East Baton Rouge, St. Helena and Tangipahoa parishes. Approximately 30,000 sandbags have been issued to Ascension parish from Camp Villere.

Another five boat teams are on stand-by to conduct search and rescue operations in support of local officials. Additional resources are available if needed.

Louisiana’s Guardsmen are trained, ready and equipped to stand up at any moment to protect lives and property, maintain communications, and ensure the continuity of operations and government.