As Louisiana reels from the fallout of flooding that devastated the region more than two weeks ago, new numbers show the true severity of the natural disaster. Upwards of 100,000 homes were damaged (which is 40,000 more than previously believed), ABC News reported yesterday (August 29). In addition, approximately 1,400 people remain in shelters.
U.S. Rep. John Mica (R-Fl.) has been critical of FEMA efforts, telling ABC News the agency has been too slow in setting up temporary housing for the flood victims. The Baton Rouge Area Chamber released sobering statistics last week that detailed what this flood looks like for the community:
- 41.5 percent of homes within the state’s Baton Rouge/Capital Region—which includes Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana—are in areas that flooded.
- More than 145,000 homes are located in flood areas.
- Total estimated value of those homes is $30.4 billion.
- 359,619 residents for the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Statistical Area live in flooded areas.
- In East Baton Rouge Parish, 36.9 percent of people living in flooded areas are Black; 53.4 percent White.
Find the full analysis here.