Historic flooding in Louisiana stranded motorists and forced thousands of people from their homes over the weekend, prompting a massive rescue effort in which helicopters have played a key role.
Air units from the Louisiana National Guard, Louisiana State Police, U.S. Coast Guard, and local agencies such as the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office have been conducting hoist rescues, delivering food and water to stranded motorists, and providing aerial surveillance and support during the record-setting floods.
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency on Friday due to severe weather, which dumped more than 30 inches (76 centimeters) of rain on parts of Louisiana from Aug. 10-13. On Sunday, the federal government declared a major disaster for four Louisiana parishes — Tangipahoa, St. Helena, East Baton Rouge, and Livingston — with additional parish declarations expected as further damage assessments are conducted.
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According to the governor’s estimates, more than 20,000 people have been rescued by all participating agencies and volunteers since flooding began. The Louisiana National Guard reported that its 1,700 mobilized personnel have rescued nearly 3,400 people and 400 pets since commencing search-and-rescue (SAR) operations on Aug. 12. The Louisiana Army National Guard has deployed five helicopters in response to the flooding, in addition to 30 boats, eight bridge erection boats, and numerous high-water vehicles.
The U.S. Coast Guard reported that its aircrews have rescued more than 118 people and assisted more than 766 people in distress. Two MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrews from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans and two MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrews from Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile, Alabama, have been taking part in rescue efforts.
In a video interview released by the Coast Guard, Lt. Mike Hennebery, a pilot at Air Station New Orleans, described some of the challenges associated with the weekend’s SAR operations, many of which took place in conditions of wind, rain, and low clouds.
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“This is the first time I’ve flown inland SAR,” he said. “Normally we operate offshore, so flying up in Baton Rouge [there are] additional obstacles that we’re not used to flying around every day — downed powerlines; there were some houses on fire; you have to stay above the treeline to stay safe.”
He added that with two Coast Guard and five Army National Guard helicopters on scene, interagency coordination “to make sure that we’re all staying out of each other’s airspace and remaining safe” became critical.
Helicopters, including aircraft from the National Guard and Louisiana State Police Air Support Unit, also flew food and water to motorists stranded along Interstate 12, some of whom were on the highway for more than 24 hours before they could be evacuated.
As of Monday morning, the flooding had been blamed for at least six deaths.
