The Louisiana National Guard continues to conduct flood response and recovery missions, while prepositioning vehicles and assets in potentially flood-affected areas as directed by Gov. John Bel Edwards since operations began Aug. 12, according to a Louisiana National Guard news release.
“With the changing conditions, we are continuously adapting to the needs on the ground,” Army Maj. Gen. Glenn H. Curtis, adjutant general of the Louisiana National Guard, said in the news release. “We continue to work closely with our state partner agencies making the most of opportunities to leverage resources and manpower to keep Louisiana citizens safe and maintain order.”
More than 3,650 Louisiana Guardsmen are taking part in emergency flood response efforts, including evacuations, search-and-rescue operations, sling-load missions, engineering missions, commodities distribution and security and shelter support, officials said.
Rescuing Citizens, Pets
To date, the Louisiana National Guard has rescued more than 11,085 citizens and 1,400 pets, and issued more than 32,255 meals ready-to-eat, 359,615 bottles of water, 465 tarps and 784,000 sandbags, according to officials.
The Louisiana National Guard also issued over 2,200 cots and 1,700 blankets for shelter support, officials said.
Over the course of these operations, Louisiana Guardsmen have supported local, state and federal agencies with more than 257 high-water vehicles, 55 boats, 11 bridge erection boats and nine helicopters, officials said.
Officials said the Louisiana National Guard has liaison officer teams in Ascension, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, East Baton Rouge, Livingston, Vermillion and St. John parishes.