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Louisiana Flooding: Photos Show Caskets Floating In Baton Rouge Floodwaters

By Charisse Van Horn
Published on: 14:13 PST, Aug 15, 2016

While people fight for survival due to Louisiana flooding, new photos show rising waters are unearthing caskets. A grisly scene was captured in Baton Rouge as caskets were floating atop the water. Over 20,000 rescues took place this weekend and the death toll is currently at seven, but like the floodwater is expected to rise. Baton Rouge is Louisiana’s capital, and the city has been inundated with record-breaking floodwaters.

Social media users have taken photos of the caskets and shared them online. Many of them describe the photos as macabre. As loss and devastation face those whose homes are submerged, the scene is grim.

WAFB reported about the Baton Rouge flooding that’s exhuming caskets and said they are coming from the East Ridge Cemetery. According to the report, approximately 500 caskets have been impacted by the Louisiana floods.

President Obama declared Louisiana a disaster area. The declaration opens the door for Louisiana to receive federal funds and assistance with the flooding. Louisiana governor John Edwards issued a statement following the President’s declaration.

“I have traveled to affected areas and have seen the destruction caused by this unprecedented flooding. We are thankful for the federal government’s quick response to our request for an emergency declaration. This is an ongoing event, and we are confident that every available state and federal resource will be brought to bear. I fully expect that more parishes will be added to the declaration on a rolling basis.”

Louisiana residents can find help and information through FEMA. It is imperative that those in Louisiana register with FEMA in order to get immediate assistance and help.

“We urge everyone to continue to use caution in areas where floodwaters remain. Monitor DOTD’s www.511la.org website for updated road closure information. Look for advisories from your local authorities and emergency managers. You can find the latest information on the state’s response at www.emergency.la.gov.”

“GOHSEP also provides information on Facebook and Twitter. You can receive emergency alerts on most smartphones and tablets by downloading the new Alert FM App. It is free for basic service. You can also download the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide and find other information at www.getagameplan.org.“

Louisiana residents can find more information regarding the programs they may qualify for here. Residents should also sign up at the site Safe and Well. Safe and Well is provided by the Red Cross and allows those who have been victimized by disaster send messages to loved ones.

The images and photos of caskets floating through Baton Rouge have conjured up ghost stories and tales. The unearthing of caskets during a flood is purely a physical phenomenon. As Louisiana is expected to receive more rain this week, there is a chance that more caskets will be unearthed. Though it’s a macabre thought, after flooding, clean up sometimes includes returning caskets and the deceased to their eternal resting spots.

Search and rescue efforts are still under way. Those in need of shelter should check with their local Red Cross for available shelters. Those who want to help Louisiana residents affected by the flooding should donate to the Red Cross. This is one of the most effective ways to help others in need. The Red Cross described the Louisiana flooding as the worst national disaster in the U.S. since Hurricane Sandy.

Those who want to donate to the Red Cross can text LAFLOODS to 90999 for an automatic $10 donation.

Seeing caskets floating down the street when you are fleeing for your life adds another dimension of trauma to those who are already dealing with overwhelming grief. As the aftermath of the Louisiana flooding continues, our hearts and prayers go out to all those affected.

[Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images]

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