President Barack Obama declared a federal emergency on Sunday in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where floods have killed at least 13 people and displaced tens of thousands of people from their homes.
More than 20,000 residents have been rescued, according to ABC, and 12,000 people are in shelters.
The Louisiana National Guard has been deployed to assist in rescue efforts and federal aid is being made available. The city is also relying on help from organizations and individuals.
“Anyone who survived Hurricane Katrina can understand the sense of loss our neighbors are experiencing right now."”
“Anyone who survived Hurricane Katrina can understand the sense of loss our neighbors are experiencing right now,” Marlin Gusman, head of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, said in a release. “We all need to pitch in and render aid to these storm victims.”
Here’s how you can support the victims of the Louisiana floods.
1. Support Local Emergency Relief Efforts
United Way of Southeast Louisiana is providing flood victims with food, clothing and counseling, according to its website. The organization will continue to provide long-term support as communities recover and rebuild.
To support the United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s efforts, donate here.
The Salvation Army’s facilities in Baton Rouge were flooded, but the organization is still helping residents in need. It’s providing mobile feeding units, hygiene kits and other support.
To support the Salvation Army’s Gulf Coast flood relief efforts, donate here.
The Louisiana Red Cross is providing shelter to evacuees at 19 Red Cross and community-run shelters. It’s also offering meals, and emotional support.
Red Cross volunteers across the country ― from Texas and Tennessee to Missouri and Connecticut ― have also stepped up to help, traveling to Louisiana to assist with disaster relief on the ground.
To support Red Cross nationwide, give here. To support the Louisiana Red Cross, donate here, or by clicking the donate button below.
2. If You’re Local, Volunteer To Help
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards has called on volunteers to help flood victims, according to a message he tweeted.
He suggested people reach out to the Red Cross to assist with the group’s efforts, or sign up with the state’s volunteer service, Volunteer Louisiana.
The group connects volunteers with agencies that assist in response and recovery efforts. It currently has opportunities for people with boats or medical training, but will continue to accept a range of volunteers in the weeks and months ahead, according to the website.
3. Help Get Food And Clothing To Evacuees
The Second Harvest Food Bank, a group that is dedicated to fighting hunger in South Louisiana, is distributing thousands of pounds of food, water and supplies to flood victims, according to the group’s website.
Local residents can also help by dropping off non-perishable food items, such as canned vegetables, rice, cereal, or peanut butter, at their facilities.
To give to local hunger relief efforts, donate here.
The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s office is accepting donations of clean clothing for flood victims.
Clothing can be delivered to the Sheriff’s Office at 819 South Broad Street. Learn more here.
4. Care For Animals Affected By A Flooded Shelter
After the Denham Springs Animal Shelter was flooded, another organization, Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), stepped in to help. ARNO, which was founded in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, is asking local volunteers to temporarily house cats or dogs displaced by the flooding in Denham Springs, according to ARNO’s Facebook post.
“Imagine the heartbreak of rescuing all of these wonderful animals only to have nowhere for them to go,” the Facebook post reads.
Foster volunteers would provide day-to-day care and food, but any medical costs would be covered by Animal Rescue New Orleans.
To apply to foster a cat or dog, fill out this form.
Updated on Aug. 18, 2016 at 10:34 A.M. EST
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