Louisiana flood victims flock to churches offering comfort and aid

Many were not prepared for the record-breaking floodwaters that ravaged southeast Louisiana. Churches not significantly affected by the floods had opened its doors and partnered with disaster relief groups to help victims.

A state of emergency was declared on Aug. 12 as rivers swelled above record levels. Low-pressure systems started in the Gulf Coast of Florida and moved slowly over a large area, bringing in high rainfall of more than two feet, according to a Christian Headlines report.

As the floodwaters started to recede, the devastation has become more apparent as homes and establishments have begun to emerge from the flood. There are more than 20,000 people rescued, and the death toll now stands at 13, according to reports.

The First Baptist Church in Zachary opened its doors to flood victims Saturday morning. The church was previously under two feet of water but has a family life center facility they are offering for use.

Church volunteer Sara Horn did not expect a flood despite the warnings. But when she saw Facebook posts about the damage, she realized it was for real. Church leaders prepared to take donations and organize areas for kids' rooms and medical stations.

Being the only church that was dry enough to prepare and take in people, Horn said that 128 individuals were relocated to the First Baptist Church for the night. A Red Cross team arrived Saturday to helped set up showers, sleeping facilities and a kitchen.

As the floodwaters went down, many other churches joined First Baptist and offered help in fixing and surveying damaged homes.

In Zachary United Methodist Church, waters reached carpet level but remained dry, according to their pastor. It started to offer childcare while teams assisted flood victims in repairing their homes.

Other churches were unable to help due to flooding.

Deputy Associate Administrator for Insurance Roy Wright said in a Boston Herald report, "We want to make sure they have the resources they need immediately to muck out their homes, even as we go through the rest of the adjustment process."

Reports said that $15 million in advance payments had already been released to homeowners so they can start repairs. 25,000 claims had already been filed with the National Flood Insurance Program. However, a large number of homes are not covered by flood insurance.