Southern Louisiana struggles after flash floods; water rising

Four southern Louisiana parishes were under a state of emergency Tuesday after heavy rains poured through the region, causing flash flooding.

According to the governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, a state of emergency was declared in Acadia, St. Landry, St. Martin and Lafayette parishes.

No injuries were reported, but at least 77 residents had to be rescued from high water in Carencro, a town in Lafayette Parish, the state agency said. Some evacuations were reported.

More than 15 inches of rain fell in just six hours starting Monday, according to the National Weather Service. The volume of rain was beyond what could be absorbed.

Flood warnings continued in effect through Tuesday morning in northwestern St. Martin parish, northern Acadia and parts of several other parishes, the weather service said.

“Widespread flooding continues to be reported across the warned area from heavy rains that fell yesterday while the water continues to fall in several areas,” the service stated.

The water levels in the larger bayous continue to rise and are close to cresting levels, it said.

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Michael.muskal@latimes.com