For Immediate Release, Friday, February 03, 2006
 

Parish Issues Revised Katrina Flooding Numbers
 

             In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, St. Tammany Parish government estimated that approximately 12,000 structures flooded in the parish.  Based on FEMA’s new flood maps and the parish’s Geographical Information System, that number was revised today to a possible 18,870 structures, not including outbuildings and most commercial structures.  This number does not include homes and businesses damaged by wind, trees, or other debris.

            “Our primary concern is helping the citizens of St. Tammany Parish,” said Parish President Kevin Davis.  “This new flooding count will help citizens and decision makers have a better understanding of the devastation in St. Tammany Parish.”

            Rusty Waldrup, GIS manager, calculated the above figure based upon the surge limits released by FEMA.   “Keep in mind that at the extreme limits of the surge, water may not have gotten into all the structures.  However, short of doing a house by house count, this is the most accurate information available.”

            “Because we were without communications for so much of the immediate storm aftermath, some decision makers are not aware of the extent of loss in our parish,” continued Davis.  “We need to inform them so that our concerns are on the table when decisions about the future of our region are being formulated.”

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