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Death Toll Rises In Louisiana And More Rain Could Be On The Way

BATON ROUGE, La (CBSNewYork) -- The death toll from the devastating floods in southern Louisiana had reach six by Monday.

While some of the water was receding, and residents began to assess the damage, there was still more rain in the forecast.

As CBS2's Don Champion reported, the problems were just beginning for flood victims.

Kimberly Allbritten tried salvaging what little she could from her home.

"I am devastated. I cried all day. My whole life savings is in that home," she said.

It's a reality facing many.

More than 20 inches of rain drenched southern Louisiana over the weekend, leaving entire communities underwater.

"One of the weathercasters said it's like a tropical event. A hurricane without the wind," Walt Zweifel said.

The deluge stranded thousands of residents leading to dramatic rescues from the air and on the ground.

Water levels were dropping in some areas, but there was a concern that waterways downstream would crest in the coming days and cause more flooding.

On Monday morning, airboats were still being used to rescue stranded residents.

Since the water started rising volunteers have pitched in, and more than 40,000 homes and businesses were without power.

 

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