MATHEWS—
Lafourche Parish Government continues recovery from rainfall amounts upwards of eight inches that
fell mainly in the central and northern portions of the parish on Tuesday. Today's forecast calls for
another one to two inches of rainfall with three to four inches possible in isolated areas.Raceland received the largest amount of rainfall. The Alidore community suffered the most damage as flood waters forced over 60 people to evacuate their homes. An assessment from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office indicated a total of 131 homes and 49 public housing apartments were affected by flood waters. On Wednesday, Lafourche Parish Government placed four additional pumps in the area to help remove the water. There was a delay in getting the pumps operating Wednesday morning due to a barrel of oil that spilled when it was overtaken by flood waters at a residence. That spill had to be contained before pumping could begin so as not to pollute water supplies and the environment.
The American Red Cross is operating the Raceland Recreation Center as a shelter for flood victims. As of noon today, a total of 27 residents were present at the shelter. Raceland Lower Elementary and Raceland Upper Elementary are collecting clothing for flood victims. Any resident in need or anyone wishing to donate clothing items can do so by visiting the main office at either school.
The Valentine Pontoon Bridge has re-opened to vehicular traffic. It had been closed since Tuesday afternoon due to elevated water levels in Bayou Lafourche. The Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office reports that LA Highway 307 is still CLOSED near Raceland. Anyone traveling to or from the Kraemer and Bayou Boeuf area must detour through Thibodaux.
The sheriff's office also reports that sections of Choctaw Road and the St. Charles By-Pass Road are both restricted to one lane of traffic due to water on the road. Both these areas were also affected by flood waters with some homes flooding, especially in the St. Charles community north of Raceland. In Choctaw, Parish work crews continue working today to make repairs to levees in the area and filling sandbags to provide residents. Workers have also been working on a levee in the Choupic area which has experienced elevated water levels since the weekend.
Residents with questions or concerns can direct them to our Emergency Operations Center at (985) 537-7603, or email us at eoc@lafourchegov.org.
