"The federal government declared a major disaster in Louisiana Sunday after torrential rain inundated the state killing at least four people, flooding thousands of homes and prompting thousands of water rescues.

The death toll rose Sunday when a man's body was found washed up on a riverbank in Tangipahoa Parish.

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said Sunday that more than 20,000 people had been rescued by all participating agencies and volunteers since the flooding outbreak began.

'This is a serious event,' Edwards said. 'It is ongoing. It is not over.'

The governor said in a press conference Sunday that as many as 10,000 people were in shelters as a result of the widespread flooding."

The Associated Press had the story August 14, 2016. [2]

SEE ALSO:

Baton Rouge Advocate coverage [3]

"Disaster Declared For Louisiana Floods That Have Killed Five" (Reuters) [4]

"Floodwaters Rush Into Baton Rouge-Area Homes, Sending Thousands To Shelters" (New Orleans Times-Picayune) [5]