The catastrophic flood devastating Louisiana is now the worst natural disaster to strike the United States since Hurricane Sandy four years ago, the Red Cross said.

“Thousands of people in Louisiana have lost everything they own and need our help now,” said Brad Kieserman, the Red Cross’ vice president of disaster services operations and logistics.
“This disaster is the worst to hit the United States since Superstorm Sandy, and we anticipate it will cost at least $30 million — a number which may grow as we learn more about the scope and magnitude of the devastation.”

6,900,000,000,000 gallons of rain in one week.
The calamity struck quickly and ferociously. In one part of Livingston Parish, more than 31 inches of rain fell in 15 hours.

Hopefully we can be of some help by passing on some more Flood Resources we have found:

• Travelers can find information regarding road closures by visiting www.511la.org or by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region where they are seeking information. Out-of-state travelers can access the system by calling 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511).
• Office of the Governor disaster declared, http://gov.louisiana.gov/news/major-disaster-declared-for-the-state-of-louisiana-8-14-16, and, additional parishes added, http://gov.louisiana.gov/news/additional-parishes-added-to-federal-disaster-declaration-8-16-16.
•  FEMA Disaster Assistance, http://gohsep.la.gov/Portals/0/Documents/1-800_Flier_Eng.pdf, and, Louisiana Flood Resources on FEMA’s home page, http://www.fema.gov/.
• SBA Assistance to Louisiana Businesses and Residents affected by severe storms and flooding, https://www.lsbdc.org/resources/?p=1849.
• Louisiana Business and Technology Center’s Assistance for Businesses document is attached.
• How to Apply for help when you don’t have flood insurance, http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/business/article_afe2af4a-6300-11e6-b158-5f6c38d58837.html?sr_source=lift_amplify.
• FDIC Financial Institution Letter 54-2016, Regulatory Relief Guidance to Help Financial Institutions and to Facilitate Recovery in Areas of Louisiana Affected by Severe Storms and Flooding, https://www.fdic.gov/news/news/financial/2016/fil16054.html.
• OCC guidance, http://www.occ.gov/news-issuances/news-releases/2016/nr-occ-2016-94.html.
• Office of Financial Institutions Emergency Declaration and Emergency Guidance, http://www.ofi.la.gov/, listed under Depository tab.

Many Bankers have asked how they can help. Here are a couple:

• Baton Rouge area charitable organizations, https://www.businessreport.com/article/local-charitable-organizations-offer-variety-ways-help-flood-victims?utm_campaign=dr_pm-2016_Aug_15-15_17&utm_medium=email&utm_source=dr_pm.
• Lafayette area charitable organizations, https://donate.unitedwayofacadiana.org/page/contribute/greater-acadiana-united-ways-disaster-fund.